Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an amount of downlink power to be applied in each downlink transmission in a macro diversity radio system. Downlink power level is controlled in response to a quality measurement of a corresponding uplink. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a path gain or a carrier-to-interference ratio of an uplink is measured at a base station in an active set, and subsequently used to proportionally govern a downlink transmission power level for a corresponding downlink. In such a fashion, each downlink handling a mobile station maintains a desired level of robustness, while avoiding introduction of unnecessary system interference.