An exemplary method of controlling wireless communications includes providing a list of cell identifiers to a mobile station. The list comprises a target active set of a controller that indicates candidate cells for possible communication with the mobile station. An indication received from the mobile station indicates that the mobile station has detected a cell identifier on the provided list. A determination is made whether timing information regarding the cell corresponding to the detected cell identifier is within a predetermined acceptable range. The cell corresponding to the detected cell identifier is allowed to remain in the controller target active set and added to the active set of the mobile station only if the determined timing information is within the predetermined acceptable range.