A method of selecting, by a terminal of a wireless communication system, a mode of communication to be used to exchange data with the base stations of the wireless communication system. The mode of communication being selected from among at least two different modes of communication associated with different respective geographical zones. The terminal receiving a surveillance message transmitted by an aircraft, the surveillance message includes information on the position of the aircraft. The terminal estimating the geographical zone in which the terminal is situated, as a function of the aircraft position information extracted from the received surveillance message. The mode communication is selected as a function of the estimated geographical zone of the terminal.