At 550, UE 106 determines whether the network responded to the eRTCP packet(s). If the network responded, the method proceeds to 555 and UE 106 does not drop the call, but instead resets the inactivity timer. If the network did not respond, UE 106 is configured to drop the call. In the illustrated embodiment, UE 106 is configured to use the RTP “media timeout” breaker to end the call.

In some embodiments, a call may proceed through the illustrated flow multiple times if it is not dropped, and/or may eventually be dropped based on deteriorating wireless conditions. In various the illustrated techniques may allow SID suppression without causing unnecessary dropped calls. This may reduce power consumption by mobile device 106, in some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a simplified method for pinging the network during SID suppression, according to some embodiments. The method shown in FIG. 6 may be used in conjunction with any of the computer circuitry, systems, devices, elements, or components disclosed herein, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. Flow begins at 610.

At 610, an apparatus (e.g., a UE), in response to detecting an absence of received packets associated with a voice call over a first time interval, initiates transmission of a first control packet.