A user equipment (UE) begins to access a heterogeneous network by obtaining synchronization parameters from system signals transmitted by a weaker one of a number of neighboring cells. After synchronizing with the network, the UE obtains resource scheduling information for the weaker cell. The resource scheduling information indicates at least one resource used by the weaker cell. The UE may then cancel the stronger cells of the neighboring cell. The resource scheduling information allows the UE to identify broadcasted system blocks for the weaker cell from which it may decode and retrieve control information used to complete access to the network.