Active set management for packet data services in a mixed capability wireless communication network

A wireless communication network includes radio base stations of a first type that support dedicated channel packet data service and radio base stations of a second type that additionally support shared channel packet data service. A base station controller evaluates pilot signal strength reports to determine whether to serve a given mobile station on a shared packet data channel or on a dedicated packet data channel. Evaluation may comprise determining whether any pilot signals in the report correspond to radio base stations of the second type. If so, and if one or more service criteria are met, the controller serves the mobile station on a shared packet data channel, and otherwise serves it on a dedicated packet data channel. The controller may control or otherwise limit the mobile station's active set based on identifying pilot signals in the report that correspond to radio base stations of the second type.