In a mobile
communication device, a scanning operation is performed with use of a
wireless transceiver to identify one or more available
wireless communication networks in a given coverage area. Each time the scanning operation fails to result in any connection between the
mobile device and a
wireless network, the scanning operation is repeated after delaying for a next
delay period of a plurality of scanning
delay periods n=[n1, n2, . . . , upper limit]. Initially, an upper limit of the plurality of scanning
delay periods n=[n1, n2, . . . , upper limit] is established at a value of M. During operation, the
mobile device monitors to identify whether a predetermined battery condition, such as a low
battery capacity or high battery
discharge rate, exists. If the predetermined battery condition exists, the upper limit of the plurality of scanning
delay periods n=[n1, n2, . . . , upper limit] is reestablished at a value of N>M. If a more severe battery condition exists, the upper limit of the plurality of scanning
delay periods n=[n1, n2, . . . , upper limit] is reestablished at a value of P>N>M. Advantageously,
power consumption is reduced during adverse battery conditions of the
mobile device.