A method for performing a cell search routine commences by using the Synchronization Channel's (SCH) Primary Synchronization Code (PSC) to acquire slot synchronization to a cell (402). This step will collect a number of hypotheses for frame timing. The method then uses a searcher algorithm such as a sequential dwell searcher that can quickly reject all of the wrong hypotheses gathered in the slot synchronization step, and determine the best hypotheses (404). This cell search routine leads to faster cell acquisition times as compared to some prior art techniques. A receiver (502) that includes a cell searcher (504) that performs the method mentioned above is also described.