An uncoordinated frequency hopping cellular system includes a mobile unit and a number of base stations. The mobile unit determines which base stations are in a geographical location defined by a location of the mobile unit. This determination is made by transmitting one or more inquiry messages, and receiving response information transmitted by responding base stations. The mobile unit then selects, for use by the mobile unit, one of the base stations from the set of base stations. Each of the base stations receives at least one of the inquiry messages, and transmits the response information to the mobile unit in response to the at least one received inquiry message. The mobile unit determines synchronization information from the response information, and uses this to establish communication with the selected base station.