In one aspect, a method and apparatus derive channel quality estimates for given subcarriers in an OFDM signal, based on reference signal (RS) or other known-signal measurements made for another set of subcarriers. In at least one embodiment, a wireless communication apparatus implements a method whereby it is configured for receiving reference information on the first set of subcarriers; generating the first channel quality estimates in the frequency domain, based on the received reference information; computing a power delay profile for the first set of subcarriers; and determining the second channel quality estimates either by extrapolating from the first channel quality estimates or as an average of the first channel quality estimates, depending on a delay spread of the power delay profile.