A method of controlling access in a telecommunication network in which a communication medium, such as a set of frequencies, time slots, or codes, is shared among a plurality of mobile units. Transmissions from the mobile units utilize different access modes, such as a direct access mode and a scheduled access mode. Additionally, the transmissions are divided into different communication types, each having an associated priority. A mode access control unit determines for each priority, which access mode to utilize for the associated communication type. Mobile units having data to transmit access the shared communication medium utilizing the access mode determined for the priority of the communication type to which the data belongs.