A method and system is disclosed for adjusting wireless access coverage based on backhaul capacity. A base station, such as a femtocell, will determine the capacity of its backhaul connection in the downlink direction. The base station will then adjust the power level of it forward link to help ensure that the forward-link data rate to an access terminal is approximately matched to the determined capacity of its backhaul connection. In an example embodiment, the base station will adjust the power level of its pilot until the access terminal is requesting a forward-link data rate commensurate with the downlink rate on the backhaul connection.