A method for use by a switching system in controlling the downloading of parameters to customer stations. The notification of stations due to a change in a configuration group is performed at a controlled rate and accordingly any reduction in call processing due to the parameter downloading of customer stations is limited. The controlled rate notification is performed in accordance with two lists that are maintained by the switching system and used to track the active/inactive status of customer stations and to order the notification of active stations and the status checking of inactive stations.