Polling methods for use in a communication system, such as a fixed wireless communication system, are described. The fixed wireless communication system includes at least one wireless base unit and a plurality of fixed-location wireless transceiver units, where each transceiver unit is, for example, located at a home residence and coupled to a personal computer (PC). In one particular polling method, a wireless transceiver unit detects a failure of a primary energy source, switches to a battery backup for power, and sends a message to the wireless base unit indicating such failure. The message initiates the wireless base unit to poll the wireless transceiver unit on a periodic basis for status information. During the failure, a data traffic channel established between the units is torn down to conserve power at the wireless transceiver unit. Once the primary energy source is restored, the data traffic channel is brought back up and the periodic polling is terminated. Similar methods are applied in connection with the detection of a communication failure over the data traffic channel.