Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate acquisition of a cell in the presence of interfering cells. An undesired cell in close proximity to a user equipment unit (UE) can inhibit detection of a desired cell. For instance, a femto cell near the UE can interfere with detection and acquisition of a macro cell. The UE can detect the undesired cell and reconstruct an estimate of signals transmitted by the undesired cell. The estimate can be employed to cancel interference from received signals to facilitate acquisition of a desired cell.