Managing channel element licenses for base transceiver stations. Preferred methods include license accounting at a BSC or MTS level, thereby providing better utilization of BTS channel element licenses in a wireless communication network. The BTS notifies a license manager whenever a channel element is put into use by transmitting a first channel element utilization message. If the number of available license has been not been exceeded, the license manager transmits a channel element utilization authorization message. If, on the other hand, the number of available license has been exceeded, the license manager transmits a channel element utilization denial message, instruction the BTS to terminate the call setup. Alternative embodiments include the BTS requesting a license using a first channel element utilization message and awaiting authorization prior to utilization of the channel element. The BTS preferably transmits a second channel element utilization message indicating the channel element is no longer in use.