Abstract: A method and system for operating a radiotelephone at reduced power provides for a deenergization of a receiver of the radiotelephone wherein the receiver, during periods of activation, receives a sequence of messages of a control channel, each message having a synchronization portion and a data portion which follows the synchronization portion. Included within the radiotelephone is signal processing circuitry synchronized by a synchronization portion of an individual one of the messages to permit a reading of data of the data portion of an individual one of the messages. A digital phase locked lop (DPLL) with phase adjustment capability enables operation of synchronization circuitry and the data reading circuitry. Electronic circuitry within the DPLL provides for inhibiting the phase adjustment function in response to the command of a controller of the radiotelephone subsequent to a reading of data and concurrently with a termination of power to the receiver.