Abstract: An apparatus for allocating communication channels in a manner that increases network efficiencies or operator revenue includes a resource manager that accepts and stores (forms a queue) resource requests for a period of time. Thereafter, the resource manager allocates resources according to specified criteria. The computer instructions stored within the resource manager includes logic to prompt it to allocate communication channel resources according to the size (in order of smallest to largest) of the requested resource, or to the unit value of the requested resources. The communication channels are characterized by a time slice of a signal transmitted at a specified frequency range. Prior to allocating new non-CBR communication channel resources according to size or to unit value, the communication channels are first allocated to legacy continuous bit rate (CBR) subscribers, then to legacy non-CBR subscribers, then to new CBR subscribers.