Stackelberg game is introduced to the power control game, which makes all terminals in system work in the best equal SINR (Signal to Noise Ratio with Interference); a new distributed power control algorithm based on Stackelberg game for multicell wireless data system is presented. Numerical results suggest this algorithm can improve the capability of the system; terminals enjoy higher utility and lower transmit power, the use of wireless resources become more rational and impartial, and the convergence of the algorithm is good. © 2018 Indian Pulp and Paper Technical Association. All rights reserved.