A method and apparatus for transferring information over a communications link includes transmitting information at a first power level, monitoring for correct reception of the transmitted information and transmitting further information at a second, power level other than that used for the original transmission if correct reception did not occur. The further information allows the content of the originally transmitted information to be established and in one embodiment constitutes a retransmission of the originally transmitted information. By retransmitting at a different power level the probability of correct reception may be enhanced, especially when the communications link is wireless. The first and second transmission power levels are governed using closed loop power control such that transmission power level is controlled to achieve a required quality of reception parameter at the receiving end of the link. In one arrangement the quality or reception parameter is the signal-to-interference ratio.