Dash 8 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Airspace Structure; Procedure
During arrival into EWR with New York Center they descended us to 7;000 feet. After a few minutes at 7;000 feet the frequency went silent; so on COMM 2; I monitored 121.5. A few seconds later we heard ATC calling us telling us to switch to New York approach 120.15. I switched over and checked on and heard 'Aircraft X turn left heading 100 and descend to 5;000 feet.' I read back the instructions and didn't hear anything else.  About a minute later we hear 'Aircraft X are you here?' I respond yes and with last instructions given. He said those were not our instructions; but to continue with the 100 heading and 5;000 feet. He then questioned what happened and I explained that the frequency went silent and we monitored 121.5 and heard the switch on 120.15. I explained that we checked on; were given instructions; read back the instructions; and no further calls from ATC were heard. The flight continued with no further incidents and a safe landing was made. If we weren't descended so early into EWR; or had switched earlier I believe this event could have been avoided.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
A DHC8 flight crew briefly lost communications with ATC on VHF-1 which they attributed to an early descent. They monitored the guard frequency and picked up a new frequency assignment. There was confusion about a heading and altitude assignment.