Arrangements are presented for adjusting a power level and data rate at an access terminal. The access terminal may include a transmitter module configured to transmit data packets to a gateway. The access terminal may include a receiver module configured to receive control data generated at the gateway. The access terminal may also include a control module. The control module may evaluate the received control data. The control module may increase a transmit power level for data packets to be transmitted from the transmitter module when a first set of conditions is not satisfied. In the first set of conditions, the control data may include a first command. The control module may increase a data rate for data packets to be transmitted from the transmitter module when a second set of conditions is satisfied. In the second set of conditions, the control data may include a second command.