A method and apparatus to provide communications over a packet channel, including applying a forward error correction (FEC) code to a first group of data packets to create a coded group of packets by supplementing a set of parity packets to the first group of data packets; and transmitting the first group of data packets, and transmitting the set of corresponding parity packets after the first group of data packets have been transmitted. In response to receiving a positive acknowledgement corresponding to the first group of packets, ceasing to send parity packets corresponding to the first group of packets and sending a second group of data packets dependent on the first group of data packets. In response to not receiving the acknowledgment, not sending the second group of data packets and continuing to transmit the parity packets corresponding to the first group of data packets.