Controlling utilization of a plurality of frequency channels in a cellular network by a node by using a channel selection algorithm which is based on an initial channel allocation and two consecutive sequences of channel allocation processes. The concepts described may be used for efficiently controlling utilization of a plurality of frequency channels in a cellular network. In particular, due to the consecutive search loops, an optimized allocation of frequency channels to a plurality of access nodes can be obtained in an automated manner, without requiring excessive measurements or trial of allocations.