Automated triggers for application of cell association bias and/or interference mitigation techniques

A method of controlling cell association bias (CAB) in a wireless telecommunications network, the method comprising:

• determining whether or not a first base station is congested, wherein the first base station defines a first cell within a wireless telecommunications network;
• determining whether or not a second base station is uncongested, wherein said second base station defines a second cell within the wireless telecommunications network, wherein the second cell is located at least partially within the first cell;
• and,
• sending a message from the first base station to one or more user equipment located within the first cell and within an extendable range of the second cell instructing the corresponding user equipment to apply a CAB to signal strength measurements associated with the second base station after determining the first base station is congested and the second base station is uncongested.

An apparatus for controlling cell association bias (CAB) in a wireless telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising:

• a first base station configured to define a first cell of a wireless telecommunications network and to determine whether or not the first cell is congested;
• wherein the first base station is configured to determine whether or not a second base station defining a second cell of the wireless telecommunications network is uncongested, the second cell being located at least partially within the first cell;
• and,
• wherein the first base station is configured to send a message to one or more user equipment located within the first cell and within an extendable range of the second cell instructing the corresponding user equipment to apply CAB to signal strength measurements associated with the second base station after determining the first cell is congested and the second cell is uncongested.