A power control system for use in facilitating transition to an active state suitable for use in a wireless communication system. In one aspect, the system includes a first transceiver, such as a BTS, having the ability to initiate transmission of a power control function. The transceiver comprises a generator for generating a power control arrangement and a transmitter for transmitting the power control arrangement. The system further includes a second transceiver, such as a terminal, for receiving the power control arrangement and coherently combining the power control arrangement to determine a state transition indication. The second transceiver includes a transmitter that transmits a selected waveform subsequent to the coherent combining. The first transceiver receives the selected waveform, determines a power level associated therewith, and provides feedback to the second transceiver. The power control arrangement may include groups of redundant power control data, data transmitted on idle feedback dimensions, or predetermined signal patterns in addition to at least one power control group.