A method is provided a wireless system for optimizing network throughput in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the methodology of the invention evaluates the both individual user data throughput as well as the data throughput of a larger user population, in determining the base station to which a user should attach when entering the wireless system. In an alternate embodiment, the invention methodology evaluates such individual user data throughput and the user population throughput in determining whether or not to handoff a data session for a user from one base station to the other.