Method and Apparatus for Communication Using a Shared Uplink Wireless Communication Channel

A method of controlling a transmission of data by one or more user equipments on a shared uplink wireless communication channel, the method comprising:

• determining a power grant for each of the one or more user equipments, wherein the power grant corresponds to an allowed transmission power on the shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• determining a scheduling grant for each of the one or more user equipments, wherein the scheduling grant corresponds to whether the one or more user equipments are allowed to transmit on the shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• transmitting the power grant to each of the one or more user equipments;
• and
• transmitting the scheduling grant to each of the one or more user equipments separately from the power grant.

An apparatus comprising:

• a transmitter configured to transmit data on a shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• a receiver configured to receive data;
• and
• a processor configured to control the transmitter to transmit data on the shared uplink wireless communication channel by:
• receiving a power grant corresponding to an allowed transmission power on the shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• receiving a scheduling grant corresponding to whether transmission is allowed on the shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• and
• transmitting data on the shared uplink wireless communication channel according to the power grant and the scheduling grant, wherein the power grant is received separately from the scheduling grant.

An apparatus comprising:

• a transmitter;
• and
• a processor configured to control transmission of data by one or more user equipments on a shared uplink wireless communication channel by:
• determining a power grant for each of the one or more user equipments, wherein the power grant corresponds to an allowed transmission power on the shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• determining a scheduling grant for each of the one or more user equipments, wherein the scheduling grant corresponds to whether the one or more user equipments are allowed to transmit on the shared uplink wireless communication channel;
• transmitting the power grant to each of the one or more user equipments;
• and
• transmitting the scheduling grant to each of the one or more user equipments separately from the power grant.