Efficient handling of control subbands in multiple component carrier (CC) configurations is discussed. A user equipment (UE) may begin monitoring one narrowband control subband within a wider band CC. At various times, the UE may receive a dynamic activation signal that triggers the UE to begin monitoring at least another control subband. Dependent on a type of traffic state the UE is operating, when currently involved in wideband operations, the UE may be triggered to monitor one or more UE-specific control subbands within the same slot in the wider band CC.