The details of an apparatus and method are disclosed for processing a message which is missing a Ciphering Activation Time for DPCH when this is required, the message being one of a number of possible messages, namely a Radio Bearer Setup message, a Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message, a Radio Bearer Release message, a Transport Channel Reconfiguration message, a Physical Channel Reconfiguration message, a Cell Update Confirm message, a URA Update Confirm message and a UTRAN Mobility Information message.