A method and an apparatus are disclosed for applying frequency layer
convergence (FLC) to connected mode user equipments (UE) having no
dedicated channel for a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS)
service in a mobile communication system employing a Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA) scheme. The method and apparatus prevent uplink
signaling congestion which may occur when the UEs located in non
preferred frequency layers (NPL) of the MBMS service move to a preferred
frequency layers (PL) when a MBMS service session starts. If the MBMS
service session starts in a situation of applying the FLC, a radio
network controller (RNC) notifies the UEs desiring to receive the MBMS
service and located in NPLs for the MBMS service of FLC information
including a PF value and a timer value, with reference to the number of
the NPL UEs joining the MBMS service. The UEs performs a PF test
according to the PF and timer values, thereby maintaining the degree of
congestion and signal transmission load at appropriate levels.