Abstract: A system and method of polling for a network identifier value is provided. Within a wireless device, a transport layer or application layer polls a radio layer for a network identifier value on a first basis. However, upon occurrence of an event of a predefined type, the transport layer polls for the network identifier value on a more frequent basis than the first basis. At some later time, the transport layer polls for the network identifier value on the first basis. Accordingly, the transport layer achieves a balance of polling frequently at certain times so as to obtain an accurate network identifier value while minimizing undue polling at other times so as to conserve battery power.