A method and apparatus for controlling uplink transmit power with optimum delay is described. In one mode, background noise is reduced when the speaker is in a near field position and a relatively quiet environment. The method includes detection of the state of the current game activity such as to activate a new game only at an authorized time, when no player is playing a game or is carded-in for example. Intermodulation products are created from a portion of the primary carrier coupled through the secondary branch.