A method and system for reducing delay in wireless communications by use of a burst based access and assignment system. The method for setting up a communication channel uses short burst(s) (essentially a slot of a time frame). Time is saved by keeping the uplink and downlink channels flexible and independent of each other. Thus less time is used trying to fit all requests and responses into constrained choices as in previous protocols. The result is less delay to the mobile user and greater usage density for the wireless service provider.