A method for wireless communications, performed in a multi-carrier management apparatus, the method, comprising: obtaining, from a radio network controller, a notification of a multi-carrier assignment for a user equipment, UE, in a wireless network wherein the multi-carrier assignment comprises a first carrier and a second carrier; in response to obtaining the multi carrier assignment notification, employing a data processor to execute rules for managing UE interaction with at least one carrier of the multi-carrier assignment, the rules comprising: analyzing a wireless condition pertaining to the UE or the wireless network; and generating a command to instruct the UE to activate or deactivate the second carrier based on the wireless condition, wherein the command is a physical layer command comprising an identifier associated with the UE and one of a a feedback activation or deactivation command for the second carrier, wherein a feedback activation command for the second carrier instructs the UE to measure channel characteristics of the second carrier and to transmit the measured channel characteristics in a feedback message to the multi-carrier management apparatus; employing a communication interface to convey the command to the UE, via a physical layer signaling protocol; and when the command comprises a feedback activation command: receiving measured channel characteristics of the second carrier; and configuring subsequent multi-carrier commands for current channel characteristics affecting the UE. obtaining, from a radio network controller, a notification of a multi-carrier assignment for a user equipment, UE, in a wireless network wherein the multi-carrier assignment comprises a first carrier and a second carrier; in response to obtaining the multi carrier assignment notification, employing a data processor to execute rules for managing UE interaction with at least one carrier of the multi-carrier assignment, the rules comprising: analyzing a wireless condition pertaining to the UE or the wireless network; and generating a command to instruct the UE to activate or deactivate the second carrier based on the wireless condition, wherein the command is a physical layer command comprising an identifier associated with the UE and one of a a feedback activation or deactivation command for the second carrier, wherein a feedback activation command for the second carrier instructs the UE to measure channel characteristics of the second carrier and to transmit the measured channel characteristics in a feedback message to the multi-carrier management apparatus; employing a communication interface to convey the command to the UE, via a physical layer signaling protocol; and analyzing a wireless condition pertaining to the UE or the wireless network; and generating a command to instruct the UE to activate or deactivate the second carrier based on the wireless condition, wherein the command is a physical layer command comprising an identifier associated with the UE and one of a a feedback activation or deactivation command for the second carrier, wherein a feedback activation command for the second carrier instructs the UE to measure channel characteristics of the second carrier and to transmit the measured channel characteristics in a feedback message to the multi-carrier management apparatus; employing a communication interface to convey the command to the UE, via a physical layer signaling protocol; and when the command comprises a feedback activation command: receiving measured channel characteristics of the second carrier; and configuring subsequent multi-carrier commands for current channel characteristics affecting the UE. receiving measured channel characteristics of the second carrier; and configuring subsequent multi-carrier commands for current channel characteristics affecting the UE.