In a method for generating a physical layer (PHY) data unit for transmission via a communication channel, information bits to be included in the PHY data unit are encoded using a forward error correction (FEC) encoder. The information bits are mapped to a constellation symbols. Additionally, either the information bits are encoded according to a block coding scheme, or the constellation symbols are encoded according to the block coding scheme. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are generated to include the constellation symbols and the PHY data unit is generated to include the OFDM symbols.