In a radio communication system that includes multiple service areas, each service area is associated with a predetermined number or amount of radio communication resources. Each radio communication resource can be used for a prescribed period of time corresponding to one or more time units. An operator or other entity identifies a set of service areas to be tested at an increased effective load. A desired test level (e.g., increased traffic load) is determined, and a corresponding number of radio resource time units is determined to achieve the desired test level conditions. Use of radio communication resources in the determined one or more time units is blocked for a test period. Performance by each service area during the test period is determined.