Instead of performing a complete frequency scan and a subsequent cell scan on detected candidate frequencies, according to the method for searching for a PLMN as disclosed herein, the frequency scan is interrupted for performing an immediate cell scan based on inspection results for a specific candidate frequency obtained during the frequency scan. During the cell scan, the bandwidth among other parameters of the cell may be detected. Based on the detected bandwidth, certain candidate frequencies falling into the detected bandwidth can be skipped when resuming the frequency scan.