In a radio network controller (RNC), a covariant matrix and a database are updated. The RNC then detects that a first base station's time-error-variance exceeds a predetermined threshold. In response, the RNC signals to a user-equipment (UE) to measure a time difference of arrival (TDOA) between signals transmitted from the first base station and a reference base station. The UE measures the requested TDOA between the designated base stations and reports the measurement results back to the RNC. The RNC then compares the measured TDOA with a TDOA value stored in the database. Based on the comparison, the RNC signals to the first base station to adjust its time base.