An encoder/decoder scheme for robust transmission of PHY layer frame control information in OFDM frames. The frame control information to be modulated onto carriers in OFDM symbols is encoded using a product encoder (100) to form a product code block/matrix that is based on a hamming code codeword set having properties of symmetry. Elements of the matrix are interleaved by an interleaver (102) so that the elements are modulated onto carriers of the symbols in diagonal groupings and with some degree of redundancy. The modulated elements are demodulated to produce soft-decision values, which are de-interleaved by a de-interleaver (180) to be re-ordered in the order of the elements prior to interleaving, and provided to a turbo product decoder (182). The decoder performs a decoding procedure, according to the properties of symmetry, on each set of soft values in fewer operations and with reduced circuitry.