Systems for transmitting information symbols utilize ternary codes or pivot codes in conjunction with spread spectrum encoding. The systems comprise at least a first symbol source for supplying an information signal comprising at least a first stream of I,Q bit pairs, means for using either a ternary code or at least one pivot code for spreading the at least first stream of I,Q bit pairs and thereby respectively forming first chips and second chips, and a radio signal modulator for transmitting the first chips and second chips over a radio interface.