Abstract: Detection and prevention of heavy congestion in a wireless network is disclosed herein. Radio links are monitored and if the number of radio links reaches a first threshold level, one or more network parameters are modified in order shrink a cell footprint and/or to control cell reselection. The monitored radio links can be downlink circuit switched and packet switched radio links. Alternatively or additionally, an uplink noise level can be monitored and if the uplink noise level reaches a second threshold level, the one or more network parameters can be modified, even if the number of radio links are not at the threshold level.