A method and apparatus for configuring compressed mode operation comprises detecting a compressed mode pattern or pattern sequence scheduling three or more consecutive compressed mode frames and taking appropriate mitigation action. In a first aspect a non activation construction is suppressed and the compressed mode pattern sequence is activated. In the second aspect if a pattern or sequence scheduling three or more consecutive compressed mode frames is identified, activation is suppressed. In a third aspect if such a patent or sequence is identified, a normal frame is inserted in the pattern sequence replacing a compressed mode frame.