By using a set of orthogonal subchannel codes (Walsh +-, Walsh ++-) with a small number of spreading chips per orthogonal waveform period, individual gain-controlled subscriber channels (A, B, C, and Pilot) are formed. do. Data transmitted on one of the transport channels is subjected to low code rate error correction coding and sequence repetition prior to modulation with either of the lower channels. The gain is then adjusted and summed with data modulated using another lower channel code. The resulting data 316 is modulated using a user long code and a pseudorandom spreading code (PN code) and upconverted for transmission. The use of short orthogonal codes can significantly suppress interference while still performing repetition and error correction coding for time diversity to overcome Rayleigh fading commonly encountered in land-based wireless communications. The set of lower channel codes consists of four Walsh codes orthogonal to each other. Using four lower channel codes allows for the use of short orthogonal codes but is preferred but the use of a larger number of channels and so longer codes can be employed. Preferably, the pilot data and control data are combined into one channel. The remaining two transmission channels are used to transmit unspecified digital data, including user data or signal data, or both.