A wireless device (110) is provided for supporting extended battery life. A transceiver (132) is configured to receive and transmit data over a wireless link. A frame detection sensor (140) is coupled to the transceiver and configured to sense an incoming frame and generate an incoming frame sensor signal. A controller (142) is coupled to the frame detection sensor and transceiver, and configured to selectively deactivate a portion of the transceiver device based at least in part on the frame sensor signal. Advantages of the invention include the ability to extend battery life in mobile wireless devices.