A method is provided for managing a data rate in a communication system that includes a first device. The first device receives (202) at least one data packet from a second device over a link, wherein the at least one data packet is sent at a first data rate, and monitors (204) a frequency of occurrence of early termination of transmissions on the link. The first device further determines (206) a second different data rate for the link based on the frequency of occurrence of early termination of transmissions and sends (208) a request to the second device to adjust the first data rate to the second data rate for subsequent transmission of data packets. Thereafter, the first device receives (210) at least one data packet from the second device over the link at the second data rate.