A technique is provided for processing data in a packet-based communications environment. A single data packet is encapsulated into a single link layer packet data unit. The link layer unit is encoded to form at least one code block. After the currently available radio resource capacity during a fixed duration transmission interval has been determined, bits within the code block are selected to fit into or otherwise match the radio resource capacity. Thereafter, the selected bits are transmitted via a physical layer. In some variations, unsolicited redundant sets of bits are transmitted thereafter to facilitate successful receipt.