A method of performing a soft handoff in a third generation (3G) cellular system comprising the steps of receiving a request for a change in power from a communications device at a plurality of base stations; sending the request from at least one of the base stations to a central processing station; determining at the central processing station a power adjustment ratio for each of the plurality of base stations; and sending one or more control signals from the central processing station to each of the plurality of base stations to adjust the power output of at least one of the plurality of base stations. A communication system for controlling power during a soft handoff in 3G cellular systems comprising a plurality of base stations configured to send and receive signals to a plurality of communication devices; and a central command station configured to send and receive signals to the plurality of base stations, the central command station further configured to communicate power control commands to the plurality of base stations; wherein the power control commands control the output power of at least two base stations in response to one of the communication devices sending a power adjust request.