Methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption of a code division multiple access (CDMA) communication device are described. The CDMA communication device operates in a communication session with a base station during which information is communicated over an information channel. At some point during the communication session, the device identifies that is has no information to transmit. In response, the device places its transmitter into a low power state and does not transmit any information that it would normally be accustomed to transmit (e.g. overhead such as idle frames) provided that forward RF link is stable. During that time, a receiver of the communication device may remain operative to receive information (e.g. transmitter power values). Provided that there is no need to transmit other necessary information, the transmitter is maintained in the low power state for a duration of time that is less than a fade time expiration of the base station. Thus, the communication device imitates a short fade during the communication session to conserve battery power.