Wireless devices with different capabilities may use a single file containing multiple (e.g., two) PRLs for system selection and acquisition. A first PRL in the file has a first (e.g., IS-683-A) format and includes PRL information for, e.g., 1x systems. A second PRL has a second (e.g., IS-683-C) format and includes PRL information for, e.g., 1x and 1xEV-DO systems or just 1xEV-DO systems. A legacy wireless device supporting only IS-683-A would read and use the first PRL for system selection and acquisition and ignore the second PRL. A wireless device supporting IS-683-C would read the second PRL and (1) use the second PRL by itself if it contains PRL information for both 1x and 1xEV-DO systems or (2) combine the first and second PRLs to generate a combined PRL if the second PRL contains PRL information for only 1xEV-DO systems.