[ryanpetrich]

I can't speak for websockets, but holding a TCP connection open indefinitely does not require that the radio stay in its active state. On iOS, setting the kCFStreamNetworkServiceTypeVoIP property on the connection allows the radio to return to the idle state and reawake when it receives data on the socket. Android may have similar APIs.

[sliverstorm]

Wouldn't the radio have to wake on a timer to scan? How else will you notice there is data waiting on the other side of the connection?

[ryanpetrich]

The radio is in a low power idle state, the same state used to wait for incoming phone calls and text messages.