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 one or more neighbor cell measurements.