As already deployed and proven technology, code-division multiple access has evolved to support competitive high-data-rate low-latency multimedia services over wireless cellular networks. In this article we introduce advanced signal processing techniques to enhance CDMA receiver performance further. In particular, we consider the possibility of optimal joint multiuser detection for long code WCDMA using fast inversion based on a state-spa e approach with reasonable complexity, and semi-blind channel estimation techniques to realize rate-efficient transmission for the latest 3G standards.