A transmit power level of a wireless device is adjusted based on an uplink interference to neighboring sectors caused by the transmit power level. The wireless device can estimate the uplink interference using a reference signal transmitted by each neighboring sector. The uplink interference is based on a loss of signal strength of the reference signal as measured at the wireless device, i.e. a path loss. A determination is made to adjust the transmit power level of the wireless device so as to improve a coverage area of the serving sector, without generating excessive interference in neighboring sectors. Consequently, a transmit power level increase is based on a function of the data demand of the wireless device, the interference caused to neighbors, and the load on neighboring sectors.