Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring signal strengths by mobile stations in a wireless communication system are described. More particularly, while transmitting and receiving on a channel, signal strength measurements may be required. For instance, the received signal strength of broadcast information slots at the beginning of a superframe may be measured at predetermined times for several carriers. However, the mobile station may be busy performing information reception or transmission tasks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the signal strength measurements may be delayed when the mobile is transmitting and receiving on a channel, and then more frequent signal strength measurements may be made when there is no communication. In other words, the signal strength measurements do not have to occur uniformly in time, but may be more frequently performed if they have been delayed.