A device for use in a communication network having an access channel is provided. The device includes a memory that stores access class (“AC”) barring parameters. The AC barring parameters establish rules to determine whether to transmit an access message on the access channel. The device includes a processor that determines whether the access channel is in an overload condition and determines of overload levels in response to the access channel being in an overload condition. A value of at least one AC barring parameter is defined based on the determined one of the plurality of overload levels. The device includes a transmitter that transmits an update message. The update message includes the defined value of the AC barring parameter corresponding to the determined one of the plurality of overload levels.