A wireless communication device is disclosed that is capable of reduced power consumption. Uplink and downlink sub-frames in a WiMAX, 802.16m or LTE environment often include several vacant symbols during which power-hungry hardware and software components need not operate at full power. By analyzing a physical layer beacon and control information of a received signal, the specific locations of data bursts can be determined, as well as periods of needed operation of a receiver module to effectively decode those data bursts. The receiver module can otherwise be controlled to operate in a LOW power state during remaining periods of vacant time, thereby conserving power consumption and extending battery life.