A concatenated encoder is provided that includes an outer encoder, a symbol interleaver and a polar inner encoder. The outer encoder is configured to encode a data stream using an outer code to generate outer codewords. The symbol interleaver is configured to interleave symbols of the outer codewords and generate a binary stream. The polar inner encoder is configured to encode the binary stream using a polar inner code to generate an encoded stream. A concatenated decoder is provided that includes a polar inner decoder, a symbol de-interleaver and an outer decoder. The polar inner decoder is configured to decode an encoded stream using a polar inner code to generate a binary stream. The symbol de-interleaver is configured to de-interleave symbols in the binary stream to generate outer codewords. The outer decoder is configured to decode the outer codewords using an outer code to generate a decoded stream.