Reverse link differentiated services for a multiflow communications system using autonomous allocation

An access terminal (206) that is configured for wireless communication with an access network (204) within a sector (1032). The access terminal (206) includes a transmitter (2608) for transmitting a reverse traffic channel to the access network (204); an antenna (2614) to receive signals from the access network; a processor (2602) and memory (2604) in electronic communication with the processor (2602). The instructions are stored in memory (2604). The instructions are arranged to estimate a current value of a bit of inverse activity (1444) transmitted by the access network (204). The energy allocation per flow can be decreased or increased based on an estimated current value of one bit of inverse activity.