Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting drop-timer thresholds based on loading

In a communication system that comprises a radio access network (RAN) providing wireless service to access terminals (ATs) in a coverage area, wherein providing the wireless service comprises enforcing a drop timer having an associated start threshold and an associated stop threshold, at least one network entity comprising:

• a communication interface;
• a processor;
• and
• data storage containing instructions executable by the processor for carrying out a set of functions, the set of functions including:
• determining a current level of load in the coverage area;
• and
• adjusting one or both of the start threshold and the stop threshold based at least in part on the determined current level of load in the coverage area,
• wherein the drop timer defines how long the RAN waits after detecting threshold poor communication quality with a served AT before the RAN responsively drops communication with the AT,
• wherein the start threshold defines how long the RAN waits after detecting threshold poor communication quality with the served AT before the RAN responsively starts the drop timer, and
• wherein the stop threshold defines how long the RAN waits after detecting threshold good communication quality with the served AT while the drop timer is running, before the RAN responsively stops the drop timer.