Up-link power control for fixed wireless access

This invention relates to radio communication networks and more particularly, to up-link power control for fixed wireless access communication networks. In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a radio communications uplink power control system wherein distance information between an outstation and a base station and information relating to channel loss is employed by a power control algorithm whereby the signal power transmitted can be optimally controlled. The present invention provides a power control strategy which adapts not only to the total channel loss, but separately to the components of this loss. The total channel loss is calculated from the difference in the received signal power and the transmitted signal power (which is encoded in the message, or sent in addition to the message and therefore known to the receiving station). A method of operation is also disclosed.