Beam-steered millimeter wave signals transmitted in each of n sector slices include a sequence of primary synchronization (PSCH) symbols within predetermined symbol positions in at least one slot of a subframe. The symbols in consecutive symbol positions are each transmitted on a different one of the n slices, with the first symbol repeated on the same slice at the end. The sequence order rotates cyclically in each subframe so that two PSCH symbols are transmitted on one slice in a single subframe every nth subframe. Secondary synchronization (SSCH) and Broadcast Channel (BCH) symbols are transmitted in a predetermined pattern following the sequence of PSCH symbols. By transmitting consecutive PSCH symbols on different slices and repeating the first symbol, the mobile station can detect the best slice and beam by switching receive beams every subframe instead of every slot, relaxing time constraints on AGC adjustment while avoiding the start-at-the-edge problem.