A method and system for reliably returning to a traffic channel in a wireless communications system after performing E911 GPS measurements is provided. The method establishes a communications link using a device in a communications system having at least one communication channel. The device also includes a processor and a tuner and is configured to establish communication over the communication channel. The communication is based upon receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal including data frames. The method includes tuning to receive a second RF signal, wherein the tuning interrupts reception of the first RF signal. The communication over the communication channel is maintained during the interruption. The method also includes processing the data frames during the tuning, updating a signal search space associated with the first RF signal during the processing, and searching for the first RF signal within the updated search space. The first RF signal is then re-acquired in accordance with the searching.