To facilitate multi-channel communications over distributed-control radio networks, the timing of networks on multiple substantially independent channels are adjusted (350) so as to establish a common time base among the networks. With this common time base, data is transmitted concurrently (230), using the bandwidth provided by the multiple networks. To further optimize the efficiency of this technique for cognitive radio networks, the quiet period (QP) and signaling window (SW) on each network are scheduled (355) to provide overlapping quiet periods (QP) and/or overlapping signaling windows (SW). Preferably, each multi-channel user is assigned (360) the same time slot in the beacon periods (210) of the network on each channel, thereby facilitating efficient beacon transmission and reception.