A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving optical signals, wherein the optical signals are generated by a transmitter, wherein the transmitter generates multiple optical wavelengths, wherein the transmitter modulates the multiple optical wavelengths from digital input data to create correlated optical signals, and wherein the transmitter transmits the correlated optical signals across a transmission medium having characteristics of a turbulent channel, converting of the optical signals to electrical signals, processing of the electrical signals in a modem to produce output data and additional information, supplying the additional information to a processor, and based on the additional information, the processor generating one or more control signals directed to a phase alignment stage for compensating turbulent effects experienced by the optical signals while propagating through the turbulent channel. Additional embodiments are disclosed.