Base station device with reduced power consumption and method thereof. The base station device includes a transmitter configured to implement time-division multiple access (TDMA). The transmitter transmits payload signals in a TDMA frame including a first timeslot and a second timeslot, with one of the first timeslot and the second timeslot designated as an active timeslot and the other of the first timeslot and the second timeslot designated as an idle timeslot. The base station device includes an electronic processor coupled to the transmitter and configured to control transmission of calls through the transmitter. The electronic processor is configured to transmit payload signals during the active timeslot and de-key the transmitter during the idle timeslot. During a voice call, the electronic processor is configured to re-kay the transmitter during a portion of the idle timeslot to transmit synchronization information.