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=[n.sub.1, n.sub.2, . . . , upper limit]. Initially, an upper limit of the plurality of scanning delay periods n=[n.sub.1, n.sub.2, . . . , 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=[n.sub.1, n.sub.2, . . . , 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=[n.sub.1, n.sub.2, . . . , upper limit] is reestablished at a value of P>N>M. Advantageously, power consumption is reduced during adverse battery conditions of the mobile device.