A method and an apparatus for channel estimation. The method includes identifying a set of preferred BS receive beams for each of a plurality of BS antenna SAs based on periodic pilot transmissions from a UE transmitted using predefined UE transmit beams. The method also includes transmitting a request for the UE to transmit pilot signals for the set of preferred BS receive beams. The method further includes receiving the pilot signals using the set of preferred BS receive beams. The method also includes performing channel estimation and determining the data transmission parameters based on the received pilot signals, the data transmission parameters including at least one receive beam at each UE antenna SA to be used for data reception. Additionally, the method includes transmitting, to the UE, information for identifying the at least one receive beam at each UE antenna SA to be used for data reception.