The teachings presented herein propose a separation between the configuration of a sounding signal, and the initialization of the sounding signal. In other words, in at least one example embodiment proposed herein, a base station or other controlling entity separates the selection of sounding signal parameters (sounding signal configuration) and the signaling of that configuration information to a mobile terminal from the Ordering” or other initiation of sounding signal transmission. Thus, a mobile station may be sent sounding signal configuration information and subsequently be commanded (implicitly or explicitly) to begin sounding signal transmissions according to the previously provided configuration information.