System and method for scanning when operating in different regulatory domains

A user agent including a bus, a network connectivity device connected to the bus, and a memory connected to the bus. The memory stores contents of an elementary file containing a list of wireless local area network (WLAN) based frequencies, which may be public land mobile network (PLMN) frequencies. The contents of the elementary file further contain at least one entry relating to at least one of regulatory domain information and channel allocation information. The UA also includes a processor connected to the bus. The processor is configured to update the list based on the at least one entry and to promote initial access point scanning of the WLAN based frequencies according to an order specified in the updated list.