A method for implementing a virtual line channel in a packet switched network includes reserving a virtual line channel associated with a first station and establishing a communication session between the first station and a second station over the virtual line channel. The reservation of the virtual line channel is maintained while the communication session is active. The communication session may be transferred to a different channel associated with a third station. The reservation of the virtual line channel is maintained while the communication session is active despite the transfer of the communication session. When the communication session has terminated, the reservation of the virtual line channel is released.