A method and apparatus for transmitting a plurality of signals having different wavelengths through a length of optical cable which is caused to provide distributed gain by being subjected to Raman pumping at a plurality of pump wavelengths, the power levels of the pump signals being in a set ratio or ratios for providing, preferably, a flat gain profile over the range of wavelengths of the plurality of signals, the set power levels of the pump signals being determined from the measured effects of the pump signals on a probe signal and in relation to the wavelength separations among the probe signal, the pump signals and the plurality of signals having different wavelengths.