In a communication system, a method and an apparatus provide for efficient communications of data rate control information. A mobile station communicates a request on a data channel for reception of a data file on a traffic channel. The mobile station communicates data rate control information on a data rate control channel. The communication of data rate control information on the data rate control channel is ceased if the delivery of the data file on the traffic channel from a base station to the mobile station or a reverse traffic channel from the mobile station to the base station is concluded.