In an OFDM mobile communications system, an algorithm for forming a preliminary estimate of the channel on pilot subcarriers is carried out. Based on this preliminary estimate, a channel property is estimated. This channel property is then used to decide whether to enter a mobile receiver mode or a stationary receiver mode. For example, in the mobile mode channel estimation is performed using only pilot symbols from the current symbol period, while in the static mode channel estimation is performed using pilot symbols from the current symbol period and pilot symbols from other symbol periods.