The present invention decreases the time required to determine whether a call connection between a base station and a mobile station in a wireless network has failed during a call set up procedure. A preamble frame detector in the base station detects preamble frames transmitted by the mobile station. When the base station detects missing preamble frames the base station increases the power level of null frames that the base station transmits to the mobile station. The more powerful null frames increase the likelihood of a successful call connection. The base station releases the call if a connection is not made in less than five seconds. The mobile station similarly releases unsuccessful call connections.