A method implemented in an anchor base station configured performing a proxy operation at an anchor base station in which the anchor base station acts as a proxy between a second S-GW or an MME node and a self-backhauled base station. The method includes receiving a data packet destined for the user equipment and mapping the received data packet from an incoming General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol (GTP) tunnel to an outgoing GTP tunnel. The method also includes receiving a control message and modifying elements of the control message while copying other elements in the control message and forwarding the control message between the self-backhauled base station and the second S-GW or MME node.