In a code division multiple access communication system (100), a method and an accompanying apparatus provide for an efficient control of a gain level of a communication channel at various mobility levels. A rate of change of a carrier to interference ratio (C/I) of a communication channel received at a receiver (400) is determined. The gain level of the communication channel may be based on the rate of change of the C/I of the communication channel. A mobility level of the communication channel may be compared to a low mobility threshold corresponding to a low mobility level. If the mobility level meets the low mobility threshold, the gain level of the communication channel may be based on the rate of change of the C/I of the communication channel.