In WCDMA networks, the presence of a cell is announced through a common pilot

channel (CPICH). The power levels of the pilot channels have a great impact

on coverage and service quality. Using mathematical optimization techniques,

we address the problem of minimizing the amount of pilot power for providing

service coverage and smooth handover. We present numerical results for several

realistic planning scenarios of WCDMA networks, and analyze the pilot power

solutions found by optimization versus those obtained by ad hoc strategies.