When an overload condition is determined to exist at a base station in a wireless communications system based on the number of unsuccessful access attempts to access the system relative to the successful access attempts to access the system, the base station broadcasts a message to each mobile terminal within its coverage area that changes at least one access probe-related parameter associated with at least one of: the number, the frequency, and the power intensity of the access probes made by these mobile terminals as they attempt to establish access to the wireless network. By so limiting these access probes in some manner when an overload condition is present, the interference caused on the reverse link by many mobile terminals attempting access is reduced.