Automatic power control system for a code division multiple access (CDMA) communications system

A subscriber unit (SU) having self blocking control for wireless communication with a base station in a spread spectrum communication system using code division multiple access, the SU comprising:

• a transmitter for transmitting signals over global and assigned channels to a base station which are initialized at a initial power level and adjusted to a controlled power level in advance of transmitting a communication data signal on an assigned channel to the base station;
• a receiver and associated circuitry for controlling the power level of said transmitter;
• said receiver and associated circuitry configured to adjust the SU transmitter power level in response to power control signals received from the base station;
• and
• control circuitry for monitoring the SU transmitter power level in advance of transmitting a communication data signal on an assigned channel to the base station and controlling the transmitter such that transmission of a communication data signal on an assigned channel is blocked if a predetermined power limit is reached before commencing transmission of the communication data signal on the assigned channel.