diff --git a/src/room/GroupCallView.tsx b/src/room/GroupCallView.tsx
index 75438f7f..43602716 100644
--- a/src/room/GroupCallView.tsx
+++ b/src/room/GroupCallView.tsx
@@ -160,6 +160,7 @@ export const GroupCallView: FC<Props> = ({
   }, [rtcSession]);
 
   // TODO move this into the callViewModel LocalMembership.ts
+  // We might actually not need this at all. Since we get into fatalError on those errors already?
   useTypedEventEmitter(
     rtcSession,
     MatrixRTCSessionEvent.MembershipManagerError,
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/CallViewModel.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/CallViewModel.ts
index 3c15958a..9bfa979c 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/CallViewModel.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/CallViewModel.ts
@@ -452,18 +452,14 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
 
   const localMembership = createLocalMembership$({
     scope: scope,
-    homeserverConnected$: createHomeserverConnected$(
+    homeserverConnected: createHomeserverConnected$(
       scope,
       client,
       matrixRTCSession,
     ),
     muteStates: muteStates,
-    joinMatrixRTC: async (transport: LivekitTransport) => {
-      return enterRTCSession(
-        matrixRTCSession,
-        transport,
-        connectOptions$.value,
-      );
+    joinMatrixRTC: (transport: LivekitTransport) => {
+      enterRTCSession(matrixRTCSession, transport, connectOptions$.value);
     },
     createPublisherFactory: (connection: Connection) => {
       return new Publisher(
@@ -573,17 +569,6 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
     ),
   );
 
-  /**
-   * Whether various media/event sources should pretend to be disconnected from
-   * all network input, even if their connection still technically works.
-   */
-  // We do this when the app is in the 'reconnecting' state, because it might be
-  // that the LiveKit connection is still functional while the homeserver is
-  // down, for example, and we want to avoid making people worry that the app is
-  // in a split-brained state.
-  // DISCUSSION own membership manager ALSO this probably can be simplifis
-  const reconnecting$ = localMembership.reconnecting$;
-
   const audioParticipants$ = scope.behavior(
     matrixLivekitMembers$.pipe(
       switchMap((membersWithEpoch) => {
@@ -631,7 +616,7 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
   );
 
   const handsRaised$ = scope.behavior(
-    handsRaisedSubject$.pipe(pauseWhen(reconnecting$)),
+    handsRaisedSubject$.pipe(pauseWhen(localMembership.reconnecting$)),
   );
 
   const reactions$ = scope.behavior(
@@ -644,7 +629,7 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
           ]),
         ),
       ),
-      pauseWhen(reconnecting$),
+      pauseWhen(localMembership.reconnecting$),
     ),
   );
 
@@ -735,7 +720,7 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
             livekitRoom$,
             focusUrl$,
             mediaDevices,
-            reconnecting$,
+            localMembership.reconnecting$,
             displayName$,
             matrixMemberMetadataStore.createAvatarUrlBehavior$(userId),
             handsRaised$.pipe(map((v) => v[participantId]?.time ?? null)),
@@ -827,11 +812,17 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
           }),
         );
 
-  const leave$: Observable<"user" | "timeout" | "decline" | "allOthersLeft"> =
-    merge(
-      autoLeave$,
-      merge(userHangup$, widgetHangup$).pipe(map(() => "user" as const)),
-    ).pipe(scope.share);
+  const shouldLeave$: Observable<
+    "user" | "timeout" | "decline" | "allOthersLeft"
+  > = merge(
+    autoLeave$,
+    merge(userHangup$, widgetHangup$).pipe(map(() => "user" as const)),
+  ).pipe(scope.share);
+
+  shouldLeave$.pipe(scope.bind()).subscribe((reason) => {
+    logger.info(`Call left due to ${reason}`);
+    localMembership.requestDisconnect();
+  });
 
   const spotlightSpeaker$ = scope.behavior<UserMediaViewModel | null>(
     userMedia$.pipe(
@@ -1453,7 +1444,7 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
     autoLeave$: autoLeave$,
     callPickupState$: callPickupState$,
     ringOverlay$: ringOverlay$,
-    leave$: leave$,
+    leave$: shouldLeave$,
     hangup: (): void => userHangup$.next(),
     join: localMembership.requestConnect,
     toggleScreenSharing: toggleScreenSharing,
@@ -1500,7 +1491,7 @@ export function createCallViewModel$(
     showFooter$: showFooter$,
     earpieceMode$: earpieceMode$,
     audioOutputSwitcher$: audioOutputSwitcher$,
-    reconnecting$: reconnecting$,
+    reconnecting$: localMembership.reconnecting$,
   };
 }
 
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.test.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.test.ts
index 1f61e533..87ca35d0 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.test.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.test.ts
@@ -97,106 +97,106 @@ describe("createHomeserverConnected$", () => {
   // LLM generated test cases. They are a bit overkill but I improved the mocking so it is
   // easy enough to read them so I think they can stay.
   it("is false when sync state is not Syncing", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
   });
 
   it("remains false while membership status is not Connected even if sync is Syncing", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false); // membership still disconnected
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false); // membership still disconnected
   });
 
   it("is false when membership status transitions to Connected but ProbablyLeft is true", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     // Make sync loop OK
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
     // Indicate probable leave before connection
     session.setProbablyLeft(true);
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
   });
 
   it("becomes true only when all three conditions are satisfied", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     // 1. Sync loop connected
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false); // not yet membership connected
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false); // not yet membership connected
     // 2. Membership connected
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true); // probablyLeft is false
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true); // probablyLeft is false
   });
 
   it("drops back to false when sync loop leaves Syncing", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     // Reach connected state
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
 
     // Sync loop error => should flip false
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Error);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
   });
 
   it("drops back to false when membership status becomes disconnected", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
 
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Disconnected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
   });
 
   it("drops to false when ProbablyLeft is emitted after being true", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
 
     session.setProbablyLeft(true);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
   });
 
   it("recovers to true if ProbablyLeft becomes false again while other conditions remain true", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
 
     session.setProbablyLeft(true);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
 
     // Simulate clearing the flag (in realistic scenario membership manager would update)
     session.setProbablyLeft(false);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
   });
 
   it("composite sequence reflects each individual failure reason", () => {
-    const hsConnected$ = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
+    const hsConnected = createHomeserverConnected$(scope, client, session);
 
     // Initially false (sync error + disconnected + not probably left)
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
 
     // Fix sync only
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Syncing);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
 
     // Fix membership
     session.setMembershipStatus(Status.Connected);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
 
     // Introduce probablyLeft -> false
     session.setProbablyLeft(true);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
 
     // Restore notProbablyLeft -> true again
     session.setProbablyLeft(false);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(true);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(true);
 
     // Drop sync -> false
     client.setSyncState(SyncState.Error);
-    expect(hsConnected$.value).toBe(false);
+    expect(hsConnected.combined$.value).toBe(false);
   });
 });
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.ts
index e1c28078..c8bcd021 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/HomeserverConnected.ts
@@ -25,6 +25,11 @@ import { type NodeStyleEventEmitter } from "../../../utils/test";
  */
 const logger = rootLogger.getChild("[HomeserverConnected]");
 
+export interface HomeserverConnected {
+  combined$: Behavior<boolean>;
+  rtsSession$: Behavior<Status>;
+}
+
 /**
  * Behavior representing whether we consider ourselves connected to the Matrix homeserver
  * for the purposes of a MatrixRTC session.
@@ -39,7 +44,7 @@ export function createHomeserverConnected$(
   client: NodeStyleEventEmitter & Pick<MatrixClient, "getSyncState">,
   matrixRTCSession: NodeStyleEventEmitter &
     Pick<MatrixRTCSession, "membershipStatus" | "probablyLeft">,
-): Behavior<boolean> {
+): HomeserverConnected {
   const syncing$ = (
     fromEvent(client, ClientEvent.Sync) as Observable<[SyncState]>
   ).pipe(
@@ -47,12 +52,15 @@ export function createHomeserverConnected$(
     map(([state]) => state === SyncState.Syncing),
   );
 
-  const membershipConnected$ = fromEvent(
-    matrixRTCSession,
-    MembershipManagerEvent.StatusChanged,
-  ).pipe(
-    startWith(null),
-    map(() => matrixRTCSession.membershipStatus === Status.Connected),
+  const rtsSession$ = scope.behavior<Status>(
+    fromEvent(matrixRTCSession, MembershipManagerEvent.StatusChanged).pipe(
+      map(() => matrixRTCSession.membershipStatus ?? Status.Unknown),
+    ),
+    Status.Unknown,
+  );
+
+  const membershipConnected$ = rtsSession$.pipe(
+    map((status) => status === Status.Connected),
   );
 
   // This is basically notProbablyLeft$
@@ -71,15 +79,13 @@ export function createHomeserverConnected$(
     map(() => matrixRTCSession.probablyLeft !== true),
   );
 
-  const connectedCombined$ = and$(
-    syncing$,
-    membershipConnected$,
-    certainlyConnected$,
-  ).pipe(
-    tap((connected) => {
-      logger.info(`Homeserver connected update: ${connected}`);
-    }),
+  const combined$ = scope.behavior(
+    and$(syncing$, membershipConnected$, certainlyConnected$).pipe(
+      tap((connected) => {
+        logger.info(`Homeserver connected update: ${connected}`);
+      }),
+    ),
   );
 
-  return scope.behavior(connectedCombined$);
+  return { combined$, rtsSession$ };
 }
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.test.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.test.ts
index cff5c06d..1ef7abd6 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.test.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.test.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ Please see LICENSE in the repository root for full details.
 */
 
 import {
+  Status,
   type LivekitTransport,
   type MatrixRTCSession,
 } from "matrix-js-sdk/lib/matrixrtc";
@@ -51,7 +52,7 @@ vi.mock("@livekit/components-core", () => ({
 
 describe("LocalMembership", () => {
   describe("enterRTCSession", () => {
-    it("It joins the correct Session", async () => {
+    it("It joins the correct Session", () => {
       const focusFromOlderMembership = {
         type: "livekit",
         livekit_service_url: "http://my-oldest-member-service-url.com",
@@ -107,7 +108,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
         joinRoomSession: vi.fn(),
       }) as unknown as MatrixRTCSession;
 
-      await enterRTCSession(
+      enterRTCSession(
         mockedSession,
         {
           livekit_alias: "roomId",
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
       );
     });
 
-    it("It should not fail with configuration error if homeserver config has livekit url but not fallback", async () => {
+    it("It should not fail with configuration error if homeserver config has livekit url but not fallback", () => {
       mockConfig({});
       vi.spyOn(AutoDiscovery, "getRawClientConfig").mockResolvedValue({
         "org.matrix.msc4143.rtc_foci": [
@@ -165,7 +166,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
         joinRoomSession: vi.fn(),
       }) as unknown as MatrixRTCSession;
 
-      await enterRTCSession(
+      enterRTCSession(
         mockedSession,
         {
           livekit_alias: "roomId",
@@ -190,7 +191,6 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
       leaveRoomSession: () => {},
     } as unknown as MatrixRTCSession,
     muteStates: mockMuteStates(),
-    isHomeserverConnected: constant(true),
     trackProcessorState$: constant({
       supported: false,
       processor: undefined,
@@ -198,7 +198,10 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
     logger: logger,
     createPublisherFactory: vi.fn(),
     joinMatrixRTC: async (): Promise<void> => {},
-    homeserverConnected$: constant(true),
+    homeserverConnected: {
+      combined$: constant(true),
+      rtsSession$: constant(Status.Connected),
+    },
   };
 
   it("throws error on missing RTC config error", () => {
@@ -258,8 +261,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
         } as unknown as LocalParticipant,
       }),
       state$: constant({
-        state: "ConnectedToLkRoom",
-        livekitConnectionState$: constant(LivekitConnectionState.Connected),
+        state: LivekitConnectionState.Connected,
       }),
       transport: aTransport,
     } as unknown as Connection,
@@ -268,7 +270,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
   connectionManagerData.add(
     {
       state$: constant({
-        state: "ConnectedToLkRoom",
+        state: LivekitConnectionState.Connected,
       }),
       transport: bTransport,
     } as unknown as Connection,
@@ -443,7 +445,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
     connectionManagerData$.next(new Epoch(connectionManagerData));
     await flushPromises();
     expect(localMembership.connectionState.livekit$.value).toStrictEqual({
-      state: RTCBackendState.Initialized,
+      state: LivekitConnectionState.Connected,
     });
     expect(publisherFactory).toHaveBeenCalledOnce();
     expect(localMembership.tracks$.value.length).toBe(0);
@@ -473,7 +475,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
     publishResolver.resolve();
     await flushPromises();
     expect(localMembership.connectionState.livekit$.value).toStrictEqual({
-      state: RTCBackendState.Connected,
+      state: RTCBackendState.ConnectedAndPublishing,
     });
     expect(publishers[0].stopPublishing).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
 
@@ -482,7 +484,7 @@ describe("LocalMembership", () => {
     await flushPromises();
     // stays in connected state because it is stopped before the update to tracks update the state.
     expect(localMembership.connectionState.livekit$.value).toStrictEqual({
-      state: RTCBackendState.Connected,
+      state: RTCBackendState.ConnectedAndPublishing,
     });
     // stop all tracks after ending scopes
     expect(publishers[0].stopPublishing).toHaveBeenCalled();
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.ts
index 60ae79b8..33af5192 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/LocalMembership.ts
@@ -11,10 +11,11 @@ import {
   ParticipantEvent,
   type LocalParticipant,
   type ScreenShareCaptureOptions,
-  ConnectionState,
+  ConnectionState as LivekitConnectionState,
 } from "livekit-client";
 import { observeParticipantEvents } from "@livekit/components-core";
 import {
+  Status as RTCSessionStatus,
   type LivekitTransport,
   type MatrixRTCSession,
 } from "matrix-js-sdk/lib/matrixrtc";
@@ -27,7 +28,7 @@ import {
   map,
   type Observable,
   of,
-  scan,
+  pairwise,
   startWith,
   switchMap,
   tap,
@@ -37,10 +38,9 @@ import { deepCompare } from "matrix-js-sdk/lib/utils";
 
 import { constant, type Behavior } from "../../Behavior";
 import { type IConnectionManager } from "../remoteMembers/ConnectionManager";
-import { ObservableScope } from "../../ObservableScope";
+import { type ObservableScope } from "../../ObservableScope";
 import { type Publisher } from "./Publisher";
 import { type MuteStates } from "../../MuteStates";
-import { and$ } from "../../../utils/observable";
 import {
   ElementCallError,
   MembershipManagerError,
@@ -51,7 +51,11 @@ import { getUrlParams } from "../../../UrlParams.ts";
 import { PosthogAnalytics } from "../../../analytics/PosthogAnalytics.ts";
 import { MatrixRTCMode } from "../../../settings/settings.ts";
 import { Config } from "../../../config/Config.ts";
-import { type Connection } from "../remoteMembers/Connection.ts";
+import {
+  type ConnectionState,
+  type Connection,
+} from "../remoteMembers/Connection.ts";
+import { type HomeserverConnected } from "./HomeserverConnected.ts";
 
 export enum RTCBackendState {
   Error = "error",
@@ -59,47 +63,32 @@ export enum RTCBackendState {
   WaitingForTransport = "waiting_for_transport",
   /** A connection appeared so we can initialise the publisher */
   WaitingForConnection = "waiting_for_connection",
-  /** Connection and transport arrived, publisher Initialized */
-  Initialized = "Initialized",
+  /** Implies lk connection is connected */
   CreatingTracks = "creating_tracks",
+  /** Implies lk connection is connected */
   ReadyToPublish = "ready_to_publish",
+  /** Implies lk connection is connected */
   WaitingToPublish = "waiting_to_publish",
-  Connected = "connected",
-  Disconnected = "disconnected",
-  Disconnecting = "disconnecting",
+  /** Implies lk connection is connected */
+  ConnectedAndPublishing = "fully_connected",
 }
 
-type LocalMemberRtcBackendState =
+type LocalMemberRTCBackendState =
   | { state: RTCBackendState.Error; error: ElementCallError }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.WaitingForTransport }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.WaitingForConnection }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.Initialized }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.CreatingTracks }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.ReadyToPublish }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.WaitingToPublish }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.Connected }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.Disconnected }
-  | { state: RTCBackendState.Disconnecting };
+  | { state: Exclude<RTCBackendState, RTCBackendState.Error> }
+  | ConnectionState;
 
-export enum MatrixState {
+export enum MatrixAdditionalState {
   WaitingForTransport = "waiting_for_transport",
-  Ready = "ready",
-  Connecting = "connecting",
-  Connected = "connected",
-  Disconnected = "disconnected",
-  Error = "Error",
 }
 
 type LocalMemberMatrixState =
-  | { state: MatrixState.Connected }
-  | { state: MatrixState.WaitingForTransport }
-  | { state: MatrixState.Ready }
-  | { state: MatrixState.Connecting }
-  | { state: MatrixState.Disconnected }
-  | { state: MatrixState.Error; error: Error };
+  | { state: MatrixAdditionalState.WaitingForTransport }
+  | { state: "Error"; error: Error }
+  | { state: RTCSessionStatus };
 
 export interface LocalMemberConnectionState {
-  livekit$: Behavior<LocalMemberRtcBackendState>;
+  livekit$: Behavior<LocalMemberRTCBackendState>;
   matrix$: Behavior<LocalMemberMatrixState>;
 }
 
@@ -122,8 +111,8 @@ interface Props {
   muteStates: MuteStates;
   connectionManager: IConnectionManager;
   createPublisherFactory: (connection: Connection) => Publisher;
-  joinMatrixRTC: (transport: LivekitTransport) => Promise<void>;
-  homeserverConnected$: Behavior<boolean>;
+  joinMatrixRTC: (transport: LivekitTransport) => void;
+  homeserverConnected: HomeserverConnected;
   localTransport$: Behavior<LivekitTransport | null>;
   matrixRTCSession: Pick<
     MatrixRTCSession,
@@ -149,7 +138,7 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
   scope,
   connectionManager,
   localTransport$: localTransportCanThrow$,
-  homeserverConnected$,
+  homeserverConnected,
   createPublisherFactory,
   joinMatrixRTC,
   logger: parentLogger,
@@ -175,10 +164,14 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
   tracks$: Behavior<LocalTrack[]>;
   participant$: Behavior<LocalParticipant | null>;
   connection$: Behavior<Connection | null>;
-  homeserverConnected$: Behavior<boolean>;
-  // this needs to be discussed
-  /** @deprecated use state instead*/
+  /** Shorthand for connectionState.matrix.state === Status.Reconnecting
+   * Direct translation to the js-sdk membership manager connection `Status`.
+   */
   reconnecting$: Behavior<boolean>;
+  /** Shorthand for connectionState.matrix.state === Status.Disconnected
+   * Direct translation to the js-sdk membership manager connection `Status`.
+   */
+  disconnected$: Behavior<boolean>;
 } => {
   const logger = parentLogger.getChild("[LocalMembership]");
   logger.debug(`Creating local membership..`);
@@ -232,49 +225,31 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
   //  * Whether we are "fully" connected to the call. Accounts for both the
   //  * connection to the MatrixRTC session and the LiveKit publish connection.
   //  */
-  const connected$ = scope.behavior(
-    and$(
-      homeserverConnected$.pipe(
-        tap((v) => logger.debug("matrix: Connected state changed", v)),
-      ),
-      localConnectionState$.pipe(
-        switchMap((state) => {
-          logger.debug("livekit: Connected state changed", state);
-          if (!state) return of(false);
-          if (state.state === "ConnectedToLkRoom") {
-            logger.debug(
-              "livekit: Connected state changed (inner livekitConnectionState$)",
-              state.livekitConnectionState$.value,
-            );
-            return state.livekitConnectionState$.pipe(
-              map((lkState) => lkState === ConnectionState.Connected),
-            );
-          }
-          return of(false);
-        }),
-      ),
-    ).pipe(tap((v) => logger.debug("combined: Connected state changed", v))),
-  );
+  // TODO remove this and just make it one single check of livekitConnectionState$
+  // const connected$ = scope.behavior(
+  //   localConnectionState$.pipe(
+  //     switchMap((state) => {
+  //       logger.debug("livekit: Connected state changed", state);
+  //       if (!state) return of(false);
+  //       if (state.state === "ConnectedToLkRoom") {
+  //         logger.debug(
+  //           "livekit: Connected state changed (inner livekitConnectionState$)",
+  //           state.livekitConnectionState$.value,
+  //         );
+  //         return state.livekitConnectionState$.pipe(
+  //           map((lkState) => lkState === ConnectionState.Connected),
+  //         );
+  //       }
+  //       return of(false);
+  //     }),
+  //   ),
+  // );
 
   // MATRIX RELATED
 
-  // /**
-  //  * Whether we should tell the user that we're reconnecting to the call.
-  //  */
-  // DISCUSSION is there a better way to do this?
-  // sth that is more deriectly implied from the membership manager of the js sdk. (fromEvent(matrixRTCSession, Reconnecting)) ??? or similar
   const reconnecting$ = scope.behavior(
-    connected$.pipe(
-      // We are reconnecting if we previously had some successful initial
-      // connection but are now disconnected
-      scan(
-        ({ connectedPreviously }, connectedNow) => ({
-          connectedPreviously: connectedPreviously || connectedNow,
-          reconnecting: connectedPreviously && !connectedNow,
-        }),
-        { connectedPreviously: false, reconnecting: false },
-      ),
-      map(({ reconnecting }) => reconnecting),
+    homeserverConnected.rtsSession$.pipe(
+      map((sessionStatus) => sessionStatus === RTCSessionStatus.Reconnecting),
     ),
   );
 
@@ -374,8 +349,9 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
       logger.error("Multiple Livkit Errors:", e);
     else fatalLivekitError$.next(e);
   };
-  const livekitState$: Behavior<LocalMemberRtcBackendState> = scope.behavior(
+  const livekitState$: Behavior<LocalMemberRTCBackendState> = scope.behavior(
     combineLatest([
+      localConnectionState$,
       publisher$,
       localTransport$,
       tracks$.pipe(
@@ -389,10 +365,12 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
         map(() => true),
         startWith(false),
       ),
+      // TODO use local connection state here to give the full pciture of the livekit state!
       fatalLivekitError$,
     ]).pipe(
       map(
         ([
+          localConnectionState,
           publisher,
           localTransport,
           tracks,
@@ -411,13 +389,21 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
           const hasTracks = tracks.length > 0;
           if (!localTransport)
             return { state: RTCBackendState.WaitingForTransport };
-          if (!publisher)
+          if (!localConnectionState)
             return { state: RTCBackendState.WaitingForConnection };
-          if (!shouldStartTracks) return { state: RTCBackendState.Initialized };
+          if (
+            localConnectionState.state !== LivekitConnectionState.Connected ||
+            !publisher
+          )
+            // pass through the localConnectionState while we do not yet have a publisher or the state
+            // of the connection is not yet connected
+            return { state: localConnectionState.state };
+          if (!shouldStartTracks)
+            return { state: LivekitConnectionState.Connected };
           if (!hasTracks) return { state: RTCBackendState.CreatingTracks };
           if (!shouldConnect) return { state: RTCBackendState.ReadyToPublish };
           if (!publishing) return { state: RTCBackendState.WaitingToPublish };
-          return { state: RTCBackendState.Connected };
+          return { state: RTCBackendState.ConnectedAndPublishing };
         },
       ),
       distinctUntilChanged(deepCompare),
@@ -431,58 +417,70 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
     else fatalMatrixError$.next(e);
   };
   const matrixState$: Behavior<LocalMemberMatrixState> = scope.behavior(
-    combineLatest([
-      localTransport$,
-      connectRequested$,
-      homeserverConnected$,
-    ]).pipe(
-      map(([localTransport, connectRequested, homeserverConnected]) => {
-        if (!localTransport) return { state: MatrixState.WaitingForTransport };
-        if (!connectRequested) return { state: MatrixState.Ready };
-        if (!homeserverConnected) return { state: MatrixState.Connecting };
-        return { state: MatrixState.Connected };
+    combineLatest([localTransport$, homeserverConnected.rtsSession$]).pipe(
+      map(([localTransport, rtcSessionStatus]) => {
+        if (!localTransport)
+          return { state: MatrixAdditionalState.WaitingForTransport };
+        return { state: rtcSessionStatus };
       }),
     ),
   );
 
-  // Keep matrix rtc session in sync with localTransport$, connectRequested$ and muteStates.video.enabled$
+  // inform the widget about the connect and disconnect intent from the user.
+  scope
+    .behavior(connectRequested$.pipe(pairwise(), scope.bind()), [
+      undefined,
+      connectRequested$.value,
+    ])
+    .subscribe(([prev, current]) => {
+      if (!widget) return;
+      if (!prev && current) {
+        try {
+          void widget.api.transport.send(ElementWidgetActions.JoinCall, {});
+        } catch (e) {
+          logger.error("Failed to send join action", e);
+        }
+      }
+      if (prev && !current) {
+        try {
+          void widget?.api.transport.send(ElementWidgetActions.HangupCall, {});
+        } catch (e) {
+          logger.error("Failed to send hangup action", e);
+        }
+      }
+    });
+
+  combineLatest([muteStates.video.enabled$, homeserverConnected.combined$])
+    .pipe(scope.bind())
+    .subscribe(([videoEnabled, connected]) => {
+      if (!connected) return;
+      void matrixRTCSession.updateCallIntent(videoEnabled ? "video" : "audio");
+    });
+
+  // Keep matrix rtc session in sync with localTransport$, connectRequested$
   scope.reconcile(
     scope.behavior(combineLatest([localTransport$, connectRequested$])),
     async ([transport, shouldConnect]) => {
+      if (!transport) return;
+      // if shouldConnect=false we will do the disconnect as the cleanup from the previous reconcile iteration.
       if (!shouldConnect) return;
 
-      if (!transport) return;
       try {
-        await joinMatrixRTC(transport);
+        joinMatrixRTC(transport);
       } catch (error) {
         logger.error("Error entering RTC session", error);
         if (error instanceof Error)
           setMatrixError(new MembershipManagerError(error));
       }
 
-      // Update our member event when our mute state changes.
-      const callIntentScope = new ObservableScope();
-      // because this uses its own scope, we can start another reconciliation for the duration of one connection.
-      callIntentScope.reconcile(
-        muteStates.video.enabled$,
-        async (videoEnabled) =>
-          matrixRTCSession.updateCallIntent(videoEnabled ? "video" : "audio"),
-      );
-
-      return async (): Promise<void> => {
-        callIntentScope.end();
+      return Promise.resolve(async (): Promise<void> => {
         try {
-          // Update matrixRTCSession to allow udpating the transport without leaving the session!
-          await matrixRTCSession.leaveRoomSession();
+          // TODO Update matrixRTCSession to allow udpating the transport without leaving the session!
+          await matrixRTCSession.leaveRoomSession(1000);
         } catch (e) {
           logger.error("Error leaving RTC session", e);
         }
-        try {
-          await widget?.api.transport.send(ElementWidgetActions.HangupCall, {});
-        } catch (e) {
-          logger.error("Failed to send hangup action", e);
-        }
-      };
+      });
     },
   );
 
@@ -497,7 +495,7 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
   // pause tracks during the initial joining sequence too until we're sure
   // that our own media is displayed on screen.
   // TODO refactor this based no livekitState$
-  combineLatest([participant$, homeserverConnected$])
+  combineLatest([participant$, homeserverConnected.combined$])
     .pipe(scope.bind())
     .subscribe(([participant, connected]) => {
       if (!participant) return;
@@ -590,8 +588,15 @@ export const createLocalMembership$ = ({
     },
     tracks$,
     participant$,
-    homeserverConnected$,
     reconnecting$,
+    disconnected$: scope.behavior(
+      matrixState$.pipe(
+        map(
+          (sessionStatus) =>
+            sessionStatus.state === RTCSessionStatus.Disconnected,
+        ),
+      ),
+    ),
     sharingScreen$,
     toggleScreenSharing,
     connection$: localConnection$,
@@ -626,11 +631,11 @@ interface EnterRTCSessionOptions {
  * @throws If the widget could not send ElementWidgetActions.JoinCall action.
  */
 // Exported for unit testing
-export async function enterRTCSession(
+export function enterRTCSession(
   rtcSession: MatrixRTCSession,
   transport: LivekitTransport,
   { encryptMedia, matrixRTCMode }: EnterRTCSessionOptions,
-): Promise<void> {
+): void {
   PosthogAnalytics.instance.eventCallEnded.cacheStartCall(new Date());
   PosthogAnalytics.instance.eventCallStarted.track(rtcSession.room.roomId);
 
@@ -669,7 +674,4 @@ export async function enterRTCSession(
       unstableSendStickyEvents: matrixRTCMode === MatrixRTCMode.Matrix_2_0,
     },
   );
-  if (widget) {
-    await widget.api.transport.send(ElementWidgetActions.JoinCall, {});
-  }
 }
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.test.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.test.ts
index 9b3e5b2a..5468d1ff 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.test.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.test.ts
@@ -53,8 +53,7 @@ describe("Publisher", () => {
     scope = new ObservableScope();
     connection = {
       state$: constant({
-        state: "ConnectedToLkRoom",
-        livekitConnectionState$: constant(LivekitConenctionState.Connected),
+        state: LivekitConenctionState.Connected,
       }),
       livekitRoom: mockLivekitRoom({
         localParticipant: mockLocalParticipant({}),
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.ts
index 326dedaf..6e4a9b35 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/localMember/Publisher.ts
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ export class Publisher {
     const { promise, resolve, reject } = Promise.withResolvers<void>();
     const sub = this.connection.state$.subscribe((s) => {
       switch (s.state) {
-        case "ConnectedToLkRoom":
+        case LivekitConnectionState.Connected:
           resolve();
           break;
         case "FailedToStart":
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.test.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.test.ts
index 2ead768b..efee1ccb 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.test.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.test.ts
@@ -125,7 +125,10 @@ function setupRemoteConnection(): Connection {
     };
   });
 
-  fakeLivekitRoom.connect.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+  fakeLivekitRoom.connect.mockImplementation(async (): Promise<void> => {
+    fakeLivekitRoom.state = LivekitConnectionState.Connected;
+    return Promise.resolve();
+  });
 
   return new Connection(opts, logger);
 }
@@ -309,7 +312,7 @@ describe("Start connection states", () => {
 
     capturedState = capturedStates.pop();
 
-    if (capturedState && capturedState?.state === "FailedToStart") {
+    if (capturedState && capturedState.state === "FailedToStart") {
       expect(capturedState.error.message).toContain(
         "Failed to connect to livekit",
       );
@@ -345,7 +348,7 @@ describe("Start connection states", () => {
     const connectingState = capturedStates.shift();
     expect(connectingState?.state).toEqual("ConnectingToLkRoom");
     const connectedState = capturedStates.shift();
-    expect(connectedState?.state).toEqual("ConnectedToLkRoom");
+    expect(connectedState?.state).toEqual("connected");
   });
 
   it("shutting down the scope should stop the connection", async () => {
diff --git a/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.ts b/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.ts
index 4f3bbda4..962f56d9 100644
--- a/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.ts
+++ b/src/state/CallViewModel/remoteMembers/Connection.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import {
 } from "@livekit/components-core";
 import {
   ConnectionError,
-  type ConnectionState as LivekitConenctionState,
+  type ConnectionState as LivekitConnectionState,
   type Room as LivekitRoom,
   type LocalParticipant,
   type RemoteParticipant,
@@ -47,17 +47,17 @@ export interface ConnectionOpts {
   /** Optional factory to create the LiveKit room, mainly for testing purposes. */
   livekitRoomFactory: () => LivekitRoom;
 }
-
+export enum ConnectionAdditionalState {
+  Initialized = "Initialized",
+  FetchingConfig = "FetchingConfig",
+  // FailedToStart = "FailedToStart",
+  Stopped = "Stopped",
+  ConnectingToLkRoom = "ConnectingToLkRoom",
+}
 export type ConnectionState =
-  | { state: "Initialized" }
-  | { state: "FetchingConfig" }
-  | { state: "ConnectingToLkRoom" }
-  | {
-      state: "ConnectedToLkRoom";
-      livekitConnectionState$: Behavior<LivekitConenctionState>;
-    }
-  | { state: "FailedToStart"; error: Error }
-  | { state: "Stopped" };
+  | { state: ConnectionAdditionalState }
+  | { state: LivekitConnectionState }
+  | { state: "FailedToStart"; error: Error };
 
 /**
  * A connection to a Matrix RTC LiveKit backend.
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ export type ConnectionState =
 export class Connection {
   // Private Behavior
   private readonly _state$ = new BehaviorSubject<ConnectionState>({
-    state: "Initialized",
+    state: ConnectionAdditionalState.Initialized,
   });
 
   /**
@@ -118,14 +118,14 @@ export class Connection {
     this.stopped = false;
     try {
       this._state$.next({
-        state: "FetchingConfig",
+        state: ConnectionAdditionalState.FetchingConfig,
       });
       const { url, jwt } = await this.getSFUConfigWithOpenID();
       // If we were stopped while fetching the config, don't proceed to connect
       if (this.stopped) return;
 
       this._state$.next({
-        state: "ConnectingToLkRoom",
+        state: ConnectionAdditionalState.ConnectingToLkRoom,
       });
       try {
         await this.livekitRoom.connect(url, jwt);
@@ -154,12 +154,13 @@ export class Connection {
       // If we were stopped while connecting, don't proceed to update state.
       if (this.stopped) return;
 
-      this._state$.next({
-        state: "ConnectedToLkRoom",
-        livekitConnectionState$: this.scope.behavior(
-          connectionStateObserver(this.livekitRoom),
-        ),
-      });
+      connectionStateObserver(this.livekitRoom)
+        .pipe(this.scope.bind())
+        .subscribe((lkState) => {
+          this._state$.next({
+            state: lkState,
+          });
+        });
     } catch (error) {
       this.logger.debug(`Failed to connect to LiveKit room: ${error}`);
       this._state$.next({
@@ -191,7 +192,7 @@ export class Connection {
     if (this.stopped) return;
     await this.livekitRoom.disconnect();
     this._state$.next({
-      state: "Stopped",
+      state: ConnectionAdditionalState.Stopped,
     });
     this.stopped = true;
   }