A method and device for packet data service discovery are described. A mobile device memory stores a packet data services blacklist and a historical blacklist. The packet data services blacklist identifies wireless networks that do not provide packet data services to the mobile device. The packet data services blacklist is based on previous packet data service authentication rejections, is distinct from a voice services blacklist, and is updated in response to newly received packet data service authentication information. The historical blacklist is distinct from the packet data services blacklist and the voice services blacklist. The historical blacklist identifies wireless networks that are no longer in the packet data services blacklist and were once in the packet data services blacklist within a particular time period. No advance knowledge of data services roaming agreements is required, and unnecessary network access can be avoided, which in turn saves network resources and capacity.