Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for efficient and flexible usage of bandwidth within a code division multiple access (CDMA) cell. Multiple carriers can be included within a CDMA cell, in which a different number of carriers can be allocated to downlink transmissions and uplink transmissions. In addition, a mobile station (MS) can allocate downlink bandwidth from different carriers to contribute to a Traffic channel, making it possible to form high user bit-rates, e.g., 4 Mbps. A CDMA cell can contain a Primary carrier with all channel types and at least one Secondary carrier with only dedicated channels and optionally power controlled common channels. The Primary carrier has a primary scrambling code and zero or more secondary scrambling codes associated therewith, while the Secondary carrier has one or more secondary scrambling codes associated therewith.