Downlink power control commands are mapped to resources used for uplink communications within a wireless communication system. An eNode B receives communications from UEs and determines the resources used by the UEs for those transmissions on the uplink which are transmitted at non-optimum power levels. Power control messages are formulated wherein the location of the power control commands is mapped to particular resources used by the UEs for their uplink transmissions. This facilitates the eNode B to dynamically assign resources for the power control commands while permitting the UEs to decode the power control messages to adjust their power accordingly.