Abstract: A method of modem power conservation used in a data communications system having an infrastructure (101), and a modem (103), the modem registered with the infrastructure and adapted to provide data communications between a host terminal (105) and the infrastructure (101), the method including the steps of: receiving, at the modem (103), a message: determining that the message is not deliverable to the host terminal (105): and responsive thereto entering, at the modem (103), a power conservation mode. An alternative method directed to the same purposes includes the steps of: entering, at the modem (103), a power conservation mode after a first predetermined time has lapsed without message activity: exiting the power conservation mode after a second predetermined time has lapsed: and finally registering with the infrastructure (101).