FIELD: digital cellular networks with time-division multiplexing. SUBSTANCE: in idle mode any handset serves only each N-th channel access interval. In addition it is used for transmission of search signals, for example, in global control channel in group multiplexing mode. Described method involves extended search call mode which permits access interval N, which carries information forcing handsets to receive additional time interval, for example, time interval N+2. According to invention extended search call method involves setting proportion of maximal number of search messages to be transmitted in extended search call mode, judging activation of extended search call mode which depends on need for extended search call mode, availability of free space in additional time interval and threshold crossing for number of search messages in extended search call mode. EFFECT: increased speed for establishing communication. 5 cl, 4 dwg
