a mobile communications system having a multi - level distributed frame selection and power control architecture includes a plurality of base station transceiver subsystems arranged in cells . each base station transceiver subsystem includes a capability for establishing a radio frequency interface with a subscriber unit in conjunction with a telephone call . a psel provides for implementing a power control and frame selection of compressed packet data in conjunction with the telephone call , the psel coupled to and being positioned proximate the plurality of base station transceiver subsystems . a router is coupled to the psel for routing compressed packet data to and from the psel . lastly , a csel provides for implementing call processing and call management in conjunction with the telephone call , the csel coupled between the router and a prescribed mobile switching center and further being positioned proximate the msc , wherein the router is further for routing compressed packet data to and from the csel .