The present invention provides a method and apparatus for maximizing throughput of a data call in a wireless communication system in which data is transmitted from a wireless station, such as a mobile station, on multiple assigned channels in accordance with a known transmission standard, such as IS-95B. The multiple assigned channels include a fundamental channel and at least one supplemental channel. Data is formatted into variable rate data frames and transmitted on the fundamental channel and the supplemental channel. A wireless receiver, such as a base station, receives the multiple assigned channels. The wireless receiver demodulates and decodes data frames associated with each of the multiple assigned channels. The wireless receiver determines a likely initial data rate for each demodulated and decode data frame. The wireless receiver correlates all of the likely data rates, by comparison to one another and to a relevant transmission protocol standard, to determine a maximum likelihood combination of data rates. The maximum likelihood combination of data rates includes a maximum likelihood data rate corresponding to each likely data rate. Decoded data frames are invalidated and erased when the likely data frame rates do not match corresponding maximum likelihood data rates.