A method and apparatus for enabling more efficient use of plural packet data control channels (PDCCHs) that are associated with a common block of one or more packet data channels in a cellular communication system capable of high-speed data communications. Mobile stations (MSs) within a coverage area of a base station (BS) are categorized in accordance with an expected ability to receive signal transmissions, by determining position, transmission path length, reported channel quality, required reverse transmit power, or otherwise. The plural PDCCHs are preferentially associated with different categories of MSs, and are transmitted at different levels of robustness. The most robust PDCCH reaches all served MSs, and another PDCCH is transmitted at a lower robustness for more efficient utilization. Power may be reduced, and/or data density increased, on a less robust PDCCH.