A method, apparatus, and computer program for re-allocating a hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ process is described where a Node B initiates HARQ re-allocation by sending to a radio network controller RNC a RL PARAMETER UPDATE INDICATION message that includes at least one of a HARQ process allocation for 2 ms non-scheduled transmission NST GRANT information element IE and a HARQ process allocation for 2 ms scheduled transmission ST GRANT IE indicating a value for HARQ process re-allocation. The Node B then receives from the RNC a RL RECONFIGURATION PREPARE or REQUEST message that contains the NST or ST GRANT IE. Responsive to receiving the RL RECONFIGURATION PREPARE or REQUEST message, the Node B sends to the RNC a RL RECONFIGURATION READY or RESPONSE message, then receives from the RNC a RL RECONFIGURATION COMMIT message. Responsive to the COMMIT message, the Node B re-allocates the HARQ process according to the RL RECONFIGURATION PREPARE or REQUEST message.