Methods for improving uplink communications in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) communication system, wherein mobile terminals can transmit at various transmission power levels. In a mobile terminal, the method includes the steps of receiving a configuration message having at least one of a power offset parameter and a maximum number of retransmission attempts parameter; when the mobile terminal performs a non-scheduled transmission, it transmits according to the parameters contained in the configuration message. In a network node, the method includes the steps of transmitting to at least one mobile terminal the configuration message having at least one of a power offset parameter and a maximum number of retransmission attempts parameter; and, adjusting a power setting for the transmission of acknowledgement or negative-acknowledgement messages from the wireless network to one or more of mobile terminals.