In a multi-user communication system, a pre-coder in a transmitter comprises a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) spreader configured to spread data symbols with Fourier coefficients to generate DFT-spread data symbols. An OFDM modulator, such as an inverse-DFT, modulates the DFT-spread data symbols onto OFDM subcarriers to produce a pre-coded OFDM transmission signal. The DFT spreader is configured to reduce the transmission signal's peak to average power.