A low-cost system and methodology that facilitates improved femto access control by employing Bluetooth® technology is provided. Bluetooth-based femto access control utilizes a Bluetooth modem in a femto access point (FAP) that broadcasts a unique Bluetooth identity (ID). Nearby UEs can detect the femtocell and employ the Bluetooth ID for idle mode reselection and active mode handover behavior. Specifically, on detecting a femtocell, a UE can perform Bluetooth pairing with the FAP prior to performing attachment signaling. Moreover, only if Bluetooth signaling is successful, the UE proceeds to attach to the FAP. Thus, the system and method disclosed herein can control the UEs that attach to the femtocell, thereby reducing the signaling load and improving battery life of the UEs.