In an aspect of the disclosure, is directed to addressing UE proximity detection near non-serving base stations. Certain classes of base stations may activate and deactivate based on the presence of nearby UEs. In their deactivated state these base stations may employ no signaling or limited signaling. Networks employing such base stations may employ a discovery mechanism, as disclosed herein, to allow such base stations to detect or discover nearby UEs. In accordance with the disclosure, a UE may transmit the proximity SRS at a maximum power or another signal strength that can be determined by a listening base station. The listening base station may employ the signal to determine UE proximity and take appropriate steps, such as activating some aspects of its signaling, remaining inactive, or entering an alternative state of limited signaling or further UE detection.