Methods, systems, and devices are described for reducing congestion in a wireless communications system. A second connection failure is detected, and a difference between a timestamp of the second connection failure and a timestamp of a first connection failure is calculated. Upon determining that the difference satisfies a first time threshold, information relating to one or more previous connection failures is cleared. A time period is identified. A number of connection failures from a cell that occur during the time period is identified. A determination is made as to whether the number of connection failures satisfies a threshold. Upon determining that the number of connection failures satisfies the threshold, a future connection request may be withheld for a time period.