A channel estimation system comprises a filtering component that selectively scales a plurality of carriers as a function of location of the plurality of carriers within a frequency band, wherein the plurality of carriers comprises at least one data carrier and at least one pilot carrier. A component thereafter extrapolates an observation from the at least one pilot carrier, wherein a channel is estimated as a function of the extrapolated observation. The scaling of the carriers facilitates reducing a flooring effect associated with channel estimation. The filtering component can be employed at a transmitter and/or at a receiver, and can be activated and/or deactivated as a function of a sensed data packet type.