A code division multiple access subscriber unit comprises an antenna configured to output a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal having a quadrature (Q) channel and an in-phase (I) channel. A circuit coupled to the antenna, the circuit being configured to generate power control bits which are carried by one of the I and Q channels and not the other one of the I and Q channels, the power control bits are spread coded and are adapted to control an output power of a base station. The radio frequency signal is a first radio frequency signal, the circuit is further configured to generate the power control bits based on a power level of a second radio frequency signal output by a base station and an interference level associated with the second radio frequency signal.