An extension to a heterogeneous MAC protocol that makes provisions for multi-frequency system architecture is described. A new frame structure for a multi-frequency xMAX system is introduced. Multi-frequency xMAX system is an extension of a single-channel xMAX system, where the available bandwidth is split into multiple channels to provide additional capacity and range. The new frame structure is followed by all channels and is designed to fulfill the requirements of multiple frequency operation. The new frame structure incorporates features that allow the handset to leverage the advantages of multiple frequency channels, especially in the event of interference. Also, a new mechanism to reduce the power consumption in the handset is discussed that significantly reduces the number of unnecessary receive operations at the handset.