A method of acquiring a forward link only (FLO) network in a radio frequency (RF) in a wireless communication environment, includes selecting a RF from a first list; selecting a signal parameter (SP) from a second list; determining if a first parameter is found using the selected RF and SP; and, upon determination that the first parameter is found, enabling the use of the selected RF and SP to communicate in the FLO network. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.