A method and apparatus for assigning channel elements in a radio access network (RAN) based on the type of the communication requiring a channel element. When the RAN receives a request to set up a communication of a particular type with an endpoint in a given wireless coverage area, the RAN responsively determines a proportion of the channel elements that are presently assigned to communications of the particular type. If the proportion does not exceed a predetermined threshold for communications of the particular type, the RAN may assign a channel element to the communication by transmitting the necessary signaling messages to the endpoint, one of which may include an identifier of the assigned channel element. The RAN may then determine and store an indication of the type of the communication being assigned the channel element by correlating signaling messages.