Abstract: Methods and systems for selective scanning and connecting to a wireless network are described. In an example, a mobile device may be configured to scan for availability of a wireless network and measure, at the mobile device, signal strengths of a wireless signal from the wireless network. Also, the mobile device may be configured to determine a rate of signal strength change for the wireless signal from the wireless network based on the measured signal strengths; and compare the rate of signal strength change to a threshold value. If the rate of signal strength change is less than the threshold value, the mobile device may be configured to establish a connection with the wireless network; if not, the mobile device may be configured to stop scanning for the wireless network.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for causing a mobile wireless device to begin scanning for wireless network coverage. A determination is made, based on one or more past instances of the mobile device being in a particular area, that the mobile device tends to be in the particular area for at least a threshold duration per instance. Further, a determination is made that the mobile device is currently located in the particular area. In response to at least the determination that the mobile device tends to be in the particular area for at least the threshold duration per instance and the determination that the mobile device is currently in the particular area, the mobile device will be made to scan for wireless network coverage, such as coverage of a network that is known exist in the particular area.