An approach for providing access in a communications system is disclosed.
A network node (or terminal) generates duplicate bursts. The network node
then transmits the duplicate bursts over a contention channel according
to a pre-determined quality-of-service (QoS) designation. The contention
channel can be established based on a diversity ALOHA protocol. The
present invention has particular applicability to a radio communications
system, such as a satellite network that provides data communication
services.