Method and apparatus for performing a voice dispatch call in a digital communication system

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a voice dispatch call in a digital communication system, such as a spread spectrum communication system. A dispatch group that includes a plurality of communication units is established at a dispatch server. A virtual connection is established for each mobile unit that is active. A dispatch call is initiated when an originating mobile unit sends a dispatch request that is received at the dispatch server. A radio channel is established with each of the active mobile units in the dispatch group. The originating mobile unit then sends voice data that is received by the dispatch server. The voice data can be buffered at the originating mobile unit or the dispatch server. The dispatch server then distributes a portion of the voice data to the active mobile units in the dispatch group utilizing the radio channel.