The disclosure is directed to techniques for performing service signal searches with reduced power consumption when a wireless communication device is operating out of service. The techniques include placing the wireless communication device in a “deep sleep” mode when the wireless communication device is not in service. When operating in the deep sleep mode, the wireless communication device reduces power consumption by not looking for paging signals or searching for service signals. The wireless communication device then may periodically enter a wake-up period during which power consumption is increased to perform signal searches in one or more frequency bands. The wireless communication device returns to the deep sleep mode when the signal searches are unsuccessful.