A dual or multi-mode wireless communication device has a first microprocessor for a first type of wireless signal, such as an IEEE 802.11 ("WiFi") signal, and a second microprocessor for a second type of wireless signal, such as a cellular network signal. The received signal strength of the first type of wireless signal is monitored by the first microprocessor when the communication device is operating in a first wireless mode, and a notification message is sent from the first microprocessor to the second microprocessor whenever the received signal strength is determined to have changed from one level to another level. The second microprocessor then updates a received signal strength indicator ("RSSI") icon on the screen of the wireless device to indicate the new received signal strength level.