Method and system for controlling almost blank subframes (ABS) based on cell border rate ratios

At least one embodiment relates to a method for controlling a number of almost blank subframes (ABS) in a heterogeneous network having a macro cell and at least one small cell of a plurality of small cells in a coverage area of the macro cell, the method includes receiving, at the macro cell, a plurality of measurements regarding both received power and received quality from a terminal, receiving, at the macro cell, a plurality of load-related values from a plurality of small cells; and determining, by the macro cell, a cost-benefit value (CBV) based on the received measurements and load values. The CBV indicates whether an increase or a decrease in the ABS would benefit the network. The method further includes selectively changing, by the macro cell, the number of ABS available to the at least one small cell based on the CBV.