Methods and systems for using macro coverage to manage femtocell registrations, so as to avoid signaling overload

Methods and systems for using coverage or capacity classifications regarding a macro RF network to manage registration of femtocells with a service provider network (SPN) so as to avoid signaling overload are described herein. After a wide-scale power outage within an area where multiple femtocells are located, the femtocells can power on and attempt to register with the SPN at about the same time. The femtocells can scan RF signals received from the macro network and classify the received RF signals with respect to capacity or coverage of the macro network at the time of transmitting the RF signals. A device within the SPN can determine whether classification of the received RF signals is associated with dropping or accepting a registration request associated with the classified RF signals. The SPN device can accept the registration request or drop the registration request and request the femtocell to transmit another registration request.