In accordance with particular embodiments, a method, performed by a control node, for multimedia broadcast multicast service, MBMS, bearer setup in a group communications system comprises activating and announcing an MBMS bearer to the client nodes. The MBMS bearer is independent of any particular group of client nodes. The method also includes obtaining a call setup message for a group call from a first client node of the client nodes. The method additionally includes broadcasting a connect message for the group call to at least one other client node of the client nodes in response to having received the call setup message. In accordance with certain embodiments, a method, performed by a client node, for MBMS bearer setup in a group communications system comprises obtaining a service announcement of an MBMS bearer from a control node. The MBMS bearer is independent of any particular group of client nodes. The method additionally includes providing a call setup message for a group call to the control node in response thereto.