An access point for a radio communication system transmits a pilot signal. The access point can operate in different modes with the pilot signal transmit power being controlled differently. A mode processor (105) controls a pilot signal controller (103) such that when in a first mode the access point is arranged to vary a pilot signal transmit power in accordance with a first transmit power profile. Another mode processor (107) controls the pilot signal transmit power in accordance with a second profile in a second mode. The transmit power may be constant during the second mode. A transition processor (111) is arranged to transition the access point from the first mode to the second mode in response to receiving an access request for a remote station.