Code division multiple access system providing variable data rate access to a user

A multi-code code division multiple access system allows a user at a radio transmitter unit to dynamically change its source data bit rate. In response to a user input selecting one of said plurality of source bit rates, an adjustable coding means in the transmitter spreads and transmits the user's digital bit stream received at the selected bit rate to a channel bit rate which at least equals the highest bit rate of said plurality of source bit rates. The plurality of source bit rates includes a basic bit rate R and at least one bit rate which is a multiple M of the basic bit rate R, where M is an integer of at least 1. The user's input selects a particular user source bit rate by identifying a basic bit rate multiple M to a base station that is to receive the transmission.