A single grant generating apparatus has the responsibility of generating grants and grant rates for multiple ONTUs and grant patterns of a PON system. Accordingly, the single grant generating apparatus must perform bandwidth allocation functionality for the ONTUs of the PON in a serial manner. Disclosed bandwidth allocation approaches accomplish automated spacing of grants for a plurality of ONTUs in a balanced and uniform manner is accomplished whereby improved bandwidth allocation efficiency and resolution is provided for a PON system. By improving bandwidth allocation efficiency and resolution, a greater number of subscribers can be subscribed to PON services on a PON. This balanced and uniform manner of generating grants dramatically reduces the potential of grants clumping too closely together.