Modulated data signal having data fields encoded in a data structure defining a bandwidth sharing object for transmission over communications channels. A first data field contains a first stream of first information having a first bandwidth. A second data field contains a second stream of second information having a second bandwidth. The first stream is transmitted simultaneously with the second stream. One or more additional data fields each contain an additional stream of information having an additional bandwidth. The additional streams are transmitted simultaneously with the first and second stream. A bandwidth number indicated in the object is a function of the bandwidth of the first stream, the second stream, and the one or more additional streams. A bandwidth value indicated in the object is less than the total of the first bandwidth, the second bandwidth, and the total bandwidths of the one or more additional streams.