A subscriber (100) transmits data on a first data channel. While transmitting, the subscriber tracks the number of collisions it experiences on the first data channel (206). When the number of collisions reaches a threshold value, the subscriber transmits a reassignment request to move to a new data channel. Upon receipt of the reassignment request, a central processor (102) assumes that the first data channel is loaded. The central processor will then compare an incoming data rate to a value to determine if the first data channel is actually loaded, wherein the incoming data rate is measured by the central processor at the time the subscriber requested reassignment.