Abstract: Discrete packets (306) containing encoded voice information are transmitted within frames (301 and 302) in a repetitive manner until all voice information has been sent. Following transmission of all packets containing such voice information, at least a predetermined number of additional packets (401) are then transmitted, which additional packets represent silence. Following this, a disconnect signal (304) is transmitted. So configured, loss of the disconnect signal due to fading or other communication pathway disturbances will not necessarily lead to audibilization of undesired sounds, as the decoding protocol at the receiver (200) provides for reprocessing of recently received packet information in the absence of newly available reliable information. Hence, the silence information is continually reprocessed until either reliable information is again available or a time out sequence concludes.