a method and apparatus for adjusting a channel quality indicator feedback period to increase uplink capacity in a wireless communication system are disclosed . the uplink capacity is increased by reducing the uplink interference caused by cqi transmissions . a wireless transmit / receive unit monitors a status of downlink transmissions to the wtru and sets the cqi feedback period based on the status of the downlink transmissions to the wtru . a base station monitors uplink and downlink transmission needs . the base station determines the cqi feedback period of at least one wtru based on the uplink and downlink transmission needs and sends a command to the wtru to change the cqi feedback period of the wtru .