Abstract: A method and apparatus in a communication system (300) directs a radio frequency communication from a first radio frequency channel in a first frequency band between a mobile user of a mobile station (310) and a land based network (301). The method includes determining in a base station subsystem (350) allowability of the mobile user to operate in the second frequency band, and assigning the second radio frequency channel in the second frequency band to mobile station (310) when according to the determining step the mobile user is allowed to operate in the second radio frequency band. The determining step is based on an association of a mobile user of mobile station (310) with at least one of a plurality of cells in communication system (300), or a priority information element, or a subscriber identity. The second frequency band is a preferred frequency band which may be a predetermined preferred frequency band, or based on a congestion condition in communication system (300).