Channel estimation with reduced overhead in a filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC) system is enabled by use of frequency-time blocks each comprising a pilot field with two pilot symbols and data symbols outside the pilot field. In embodiments, nearest neighbors of the pilot field are populated with data symbols which fulfill one or more symmetry relations enabling approximate interference cancellation. In a first embodiment, the pilot field consists of two frequency-consecutive and time-coinciding positions; the pilot field may be time-initial in a transmission or may be located in the interior of the transmission. In a second embodiment, a block comprises two frequency-coinciding and time-consecutive pilot symbols; the pilot field may be frequency-initial in a transmission or may be located in the interior of the transmission.