A load condition of a cell is determined without having to measure one or more radio parameters pertaining to the cell load, e.g., interference level. Based upon that determined load condition, a traffic condition of the cell may then be regulated, e.g., admission and/or congestion control, transmit power control, etc. The load condition is determined simply and accurately by observing the value (absolute or weighted) of transmit power control commands issued in the cell over a particular time period. In one example implementation, the number of increase transmit power commands issued in a cell over a particular time period is determined relative to a total number of transmit power commands, (i.e., both increase and decrease), issued in the cell for that same time period. If the number of increase transmit power commands relative to the total number of transmit power commands exceeds a threshold, an overload condition may be indicated. When an overload is indicated, an action may be taken that reduces the number of increase transmit power commands issued in the cell. Alternatively, a difference between the number of increase and decrease transmit power commands may be used.