techniques for improved diversity pilot estimation in rapidly changing channel environments are disclosed . in one aspect , a difference estimate is updated when a current received symbol comprises a difference between the primary and diversity channels , and a sum estimate is updated when a current received symbol comprises a sum of the primary and diversity channels . the primary channel and the diversity channel are estimated in response to the sum estimate and the difference estimate . in another aspect , the sum estimate and difference estimate are produced by filtering the received symbols . in yet another aspect , received symbols are demodulated in response to the primary and diversity channel estimates . these aspects have the benefit of incorporating the most recently received symbol , resulting in more accurate channel estimates and hence improved demodulation performance , increased system capacity , lower required transmit power , and other benefits .