A wireless communication system (100) or method (300) to compensate for failed network access using disparate access technologies can include an access point controller (109) for a first wireless access technology (such as wireless local area network) coupled to a wide area base receiver (106) for a second wireless access technology (such as a wireless cellular network) and a processor (150) forming a portion of the access point controller. The processor can be programmed to monitor the first wireless access technology for wireless access failures and automatically instruct the second wireless access technology to compensate for the wireless access failures of the first wireless access technology. The processor can automatically instruct by instructing the wide area base receiver to compensate for a failure of first wireless access technology or by instructing the wide area base receiver to increase cellular coverage in areas specified by the access point controller.