Abstract: A method of setting up a new call in a signal processor includes selecting a signal processor that has sufficient bandwidth to open a new channel while assuming that the new channel and any open but unestablished channels on the signal processor require more than a minimum amount of bandwidth per channel. When selecting a signal processor to hold the new channel, the method can assume, for example, that each of the open but unestablished channels will require a maximum amount of bandwidth per channel. Once a signal processor is selected, the new channel is opened in the selected signal processor and an amount of bandwidth is preallocated to that channel. However, if it is later determined that the selected signal processor cannot accommodate bandwidth requirements of the new channel, an amount of preallocated bandwidth for a channel can be immediately released and made available for use by another channel.