In accordance with one or more embodiments, a transceiver is configured to generate a first signal in response to receiving a first guided electromagnetic wave from a remote system via a launcher. A controller is configured to generate a channel quality indicator in response to the first signal. The transceiver is further configured to generate a second signal that conveys the channel quality indicator. The launcher, responsive to the second signal, is further configured to launch a second guided electromagnetic wave that conveys the channel quality indicator to the remote system, wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave is guided by the transmission medium and propagates along the transmission medium.