In a CDMA network, each mobile is arranged to combined pilot symbols from its dedicated pilot channel with pilot symbols from at least one common channel as an input to its channel impulse response sensing means. The common channel may be a BCH, a FACH or a PCH, and the pilot symbols on all such channels may be combined. The pilot energy required on each dedicated pilot channel can thereby be reduced. By communicating the quality of the received pilot symbols to a base station, the base station can reduce the energy on the dedicated pilot channel, providing a yet further saving of energy.