A reverse link load control strategy utilizes a total call load metric in place of a reverse signal strength indicator metric for managing reverse link resources. In a disclosed example, a load control module (40) measures the reverse signal strength indicator (62) and measures an active cell load (64) using known techniques. A relationship between the reverse signal strength indicator, the active cell load, an other cell load component and a jammer component provides the ability to determine the other cell load component and the jammer component. Once the other cell load component has been determined, a total call load based upon the active cell load component and the other cell load component provides a useful metric for allocating reverse link resources between existing users and for determining whether to allow a new user, for example.