The present invention relates to the information transmission rate between telecommunications nodes. More particularly the invention relates to the control of the rate at which information is transmitted between access nodes separated by a core network. The present invention provides an information rate control function adapted to authorize and/or establish a communication rate for transmission of information including: determining a plurality of maximum information transmission rates along a path of communication established between the plurality of access nodes; selecting a lowest one of the plurality of maximum information transmission rates, and; authorizing and/or establishing communication at a rate no greater than the selected lowest rate. The invention is suitable for use in the transmission of voice information to and from mobile terminals in third-generation mobile access networks across an ATM core network.