Cellular network acquisition method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides for a method of network acquisition for a cellular radio communications device arranged to operate on a plurality of radio technologies and comprising determining the most suitable cell based on a characteristic of signals received from a plurality of cells, the signals from each cell being provided over a band of frequencies, and the method being arranged for taking a series of measurements of the said characteristic for one radio technology and for each frequency, wherein prior to the final measurement in the said series, the said characteristic of at least one measured signal for each frequency is compared with a predetermined value and if the comparison indicates that the radio technology is unlikely to produce a suitable cell, the step of switching to an alternative radio technology prior to the said final measurement in the series being taken and searching signals associated with the alternative radio technology to search for a suitable cell.