Method and apparatus for efficient neighbor cell measurement

A data packet transmission monitor (15) monitors the transmission of data packets in a given wireless communication system to determine (20) a predetermined condition. In response to determining the predetermined condition, the transceiver (14) for the base station (13) automatically sends (21) a signal to one or more wireless communication units (10) to cause the units (10) to make neighbor cell measurements. Optionally, the base station (13) sends such a signal when no data packets are to be sent by the base station (13). In another embodiment, the data packet transmission monitor (15) tracks (50) the transmission of data packets and determines (51) whether the transmissions allow for a certain number of neighbor cell measurements. If a certain number of neighbor cell measurements are not allowed, a signal is automatically sent (21) to the wireless communication unit (10) to make neighbor cell measurements.