A code-division-multiple-access (CDMA) system employing spread-spectrum modulation. The CDMA system has a base station, and a plurality of subscriber units. The signals transmitted between the base station and subscriber unit use spread-spectrum modulation. The system and method transmits from the base station, a synchronization channel having a chip-sequence signal used by the plurality of subscriber units for synchronization. A first subscriber unit receives the synchronization channel, and determines timing from the synchronization channel. In order to initiate communications with the base station, the first subscriber unit transmits an access signal. The access signal has a plurality of power levels, which typically ramp up. The base station receives the access signal at a particular-power level. The base station then transmits to the first subscriber unit an acknowledgment signal. The first subscriber unit receives the acknowledgment signal, and transmits to the base station, a spread-spectrum signal.