A method of transmitting a service to several subscribers in a packet data
network capable of individual and group transmissions. The method
includes collecting requests for the service from the several
subscribers, evaluating the popularity of the service, forming a group of
the subscribers that have requested the service, and transmitting the
service over a group transmission if the popularity of the service at
least equals or is likely to equal a predetermined threshold level. The
mobile node subscribers may be reached via several different access
networks, in which case an optimal access network can be selected. The
method is preferably implemented by a group forming unit which can be
integrated or co-located with a gateway which connects the service
provider's network with the Internet.