A minimum value or range for a transmit power gain factor is determined that controls the transmit power level over an enhanced uplink data channel relative so as to ensure delivery of a minimum data service requirement over the enhanced uplink data channel. The minimum value or range for the enhanced uplink data channel power gain factor may be determined based on a selected enhanced uplink transmission format and/or a maximum number of allowable transmission attempts over the enhanced uplink data channel for a communications session so that the required Quality of Service (QoS) for the communications session can be fulfilled and an expected uplink coverage gain can be reached. The minimum value or range for the enhanced uplink data channel power gain factor is also compatible with other techniques to increase enhanced uplink coverage such as autonomous retransmission and improved L2 techniques.