The present application describes embodiments of methods and apparatuses for controlling communications within a first cell that is overlapped by a second cell. One embodiment of the method includes receiving a signal at the second cell indicating a number of devices selected to communicate with the first cell and identifying a set of subframes during which communications are permitted to take place within the first cell based on the number of devices selected to communicate with the first cell. This embodiment of the method also includes delivering an indication of the set of subframes to the first cell.