A transmission method for use in a multi-hop wireless communication system is provided. Furthermore, the system has access to a time-frequency format for use in assigning available transmission frequency bandwidth during a discrete transmission interval. The format defines a plurality of transmission windows within such an interval, where each window occupies a different part of that interval and has a frequency bandwidth profile within the available transmission frequency bandwidth over its part of that interval. Furthermore, each window being assignable for such a transmission interval to one of said apparatuses for use in transmission. The transmission method for use in this system includes employing said format for one or more such transmission intervals to transmit data and control information together along at least two consecutive said links as a set of successive transmission signals, link by link. Each said signal is transmitted in an available transmission window of said interval(s) and at least two of said signals are transmitted during the same said transmission interval such that said information is transmitted along said consecutive links in fewer transmission intervals than said number of consecutive links.