A modem and a method of placing a modem in an online data state. In one embodiment, the modem includes: (1) a digital interface configured to receive, via an AT channel thereof, a standard AT command directing an AT channel of the modem to exit a command state and enter an online data state and (2) a command processor coupled to the digital interface and configured to: extract channel designation data received as a standard parameter of the standard AT command, cause a channel designated by the channel designation data and separate from the AT channel to enter the online data state, and allow the AT channel to remain in the command state.