Techniques for performing system selection based on requirements and preferences of applications are described. A terminal maintains a policy table containing applications supported by the terminal, priorities of the applications, radio technologies that can be used for each application, and priorities of the radio technologies for each application. The terminal manages policies associated with the supported applications and radio technologies, determines the most suitable radio technology for each application, and activates and deactivates radio technologies in response to events, e.g., the terminal being turned on, a call being placed, the terminal leaving the coverage of a radio technology, etc.