A cellular system includes cell sites, each having multiple cells. Each cell identifies a radio coverage area and includes communication equipment. A method for managing the cellular system includes determining, among the cell sites, a candidate cell site to be at least partially deactivated. The candidate cell includes at least one associated cell with a load factor below a threshold. Replacement cells are selected from other cell sites, where the replacement cells are adjacent to the candidate cell. A target geographical area enclosing the area of the candidate cell and that of the replacement cells is identified, and a transmission parameter for the target geographical area is determined. Communication equipment associated with the replacement cells is selected and configured based on the transmission parameter. Then the candidate cell monitors the transmission parameter in the target geographic area, and at least partially deactivates based on the monitoring.