A network access node (eNodeB for example) changing status from active to deactivated sends a message to a location server indicating the changed status. The location server collects from uplink messages indications of which of a plurality of cells have a deactivated status and stores this information in its local memory. Then the location server utilizes the stored indications to ensure that all cells in a list provided to a user equipment for location assistance will have an active status. In various embodiments: the message is sent only when the status is changed for energy saving purposes; a list of cells included in a location request message may have some deactivated cells so the location server sends a message to the eNodeB to activate deactivated cells in the list which is done prior to providing the list to a user equipment; and a partial-activation for a probing/beacon mode is disclosed.