A method for encoding or transmitting. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a set of one or more unpunctured codewords by coding a plurality of payload bits at a mother code rate, removing a plurality of punctured bits from the set of one or more unpunctured codewords to form a set of one or more punctured codewords, and transmitting the set of one or more punctured codewords. In some embodiments, the number of punctured bits exceeds a first threshold, or the number of punctured bits exceeds a second threshold.