Methods and apparatuses in a wireless communication system operating with shared spectrum channel access. A method of operating a UE includes receiving an SS/PBCH block; determining a higher-layer parameter ssb-SubcarrierOffset based on an MIB of a PBCH included in the SS/PBCH block; determining a bit (āĀ+5) from a payload of the PBCH; and determining a first value (kSSB) based on a second value (kSSB). Four LSBs of the second value (kSSB) are indicated by the higher-layer parameter ssb-SubcarrierOffset and an MSB of the second value (kSSB) is indicated by the bit (āĀ+5).