Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices are described for managing wireless communication at a user equipment (UE). An exemplary method includes adding an identifier of a cell to a sub-optimal cell list based at least in part on a cell classification determination made by the UE, and avoiding a cell access procedure for the cell based at least in part on inclusion of the identifier in the sub-optimal cell list. Another exemplary method includes maintaining a sub-optimal cell list and an associated priority service exception list, initiating a service on the priority service exception list, identifying inclusion of a cell on the sub-optimal cell list, where the cell is associated with a cell access procedure initiated for the service, and accessing the cell included in the sub-optimal cell list based at least in part on inclusion of the service in the priority service exception list.