A mobile communication device has a processor, a radio, a near field communication (NFC) device, a battery, and memory for storing data. The power level of the battery is measured. When the measured power level is above a first predetermined level, power is provided to the radio to allow communication. Sufficient power is provided to operate the NFC device as a reader and a tag. When the measured power level of the battery falls below the first predetermined level, battery power to the radio is shut off. Sufficient power is maintained to the NFC device to allow it to operate only as a tag. Sufficient power is maintained to the memory to retain the data stored in the memory. When the measured power level of the battery falls below a second predetermined level, the NFC device is required to harvest all of its power from the field.