Abstract: A method (100) is provided for a radio that is currently monitoring a first frequency f(1) to determine whether carrier activity exists on a second frequency f(2). The radio loads f(2) into the synthesizer (102). After waiting 17 ms (103), the radio makes a first determination (104) whether the synthesizer is locked on f(2). After waiting 17 ms (105), the radio makes a second determination (106) whether the synthesizer is locked on f(2). If the first determination and the second determination are both affirmative (107), the radio determines (120) whether carrier activity exists on f(2). Otherwise, after waiting 17 ms (108), the radio makes a third determination (109) whether the synthesizer is locked on f(2). If the second determination and the third determination are both affirmative (110), the radio determines (120) whether carrier activity exists on f(2).