Techniques for efficient data transmission and reception in a wireless communication system are described. In an aspect, a Node B sends transmissions on a shared data channel to a user equipment (UE) based on at least one parameter assigned to the UE prior to the transmissions. The Node B sends no signaling for the transmissions sent to the UE on the shared data channel. The UE processes the transmissions received from the shared data channel based on the assigned parameter(s). In another aspect, a Node B may send transmissions to a UE in time intervals assigned to the UE. In yet another aspect, a Node B may send transmissions to a UE based on assigned or non-assigned parameters. The Node B sends signaling whenever transmissions are sent with non-assigned parameters. The UE may process a transmission based on parameters obtained from received signaling or the assigned parameters.