A communication device wirelessly coupled to another communication device. The communication device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter is configured to transmit first power control bit information to the base station over a reverse link. The first transmitter has a timeline manager, configured to transmit the first power control bit information at a first rate according to a first pattern within a frame. The first receiver is configured to receive second power control bit information from the another communication device over a forward link. The first receiver has an adaptive controller, configured to determine the first rate and the first pattern. The first rate and the first pattern are selected from a plurality of rates and patterns available for transmission of the first power control bit information and the second power control bit information.