A method and associated equipment for use by a first entity (17) of a radio access network (101), such as a node B, in communicating with a UE (18) so as to control an uplink rate used by the UE (18) in communicating with the first entity (17), the method characterized by: a step in which the first entity (17) transmits to the UE (18) a rate control signal (RA) conveying information regarding the uplink rate. The rate control signal may be used to command the UE (18) to adjust the maximum uplink rate in a range or set of uplink rates; alternatively, it may be used to command the UE (18) to adjust the uplink rate. The rate control signal (RA) may be sent as a response to a rate change request signal (RR) received from the UE (18) by the first entity (17).