Data rate allocation decisions are made for a communications channel. A message is sent on a communication channel such as on a paging channel. The message indicates a forward Effective Radiate Power (ERP) of a pilot signal transmitted. The remote station then determines the received signal strength of this pilot signal, taking into account receiver gains. The path loss may be estimated as the difference between the forward ERP data value received and the detected received pilot power. This transmit power level information is encoded as a digital data word together with the forward path loss information. Upon transmission, the forward path loss estimate as calculated and the output power value can then help determine the amount of excess power available. This is indicative of the amount of dynamic range available in the transmit power amplifier. Coding rates which require a higher dynamic range may be acceptable for use.