An Optimized Streetlight Operation (OSLO) system that utilizes a cellular network overlay to broadcast control commands issued by a centralized Streetlight Operation Center (SOC) to RF control modules mounted on each streetlight pole. The cellular network may be a CDMA network utilizing Short Message Service-Broadcast (SMS-B) messaging. When a Mobile Telephone Exchange/Mobile Switching Center (MTX/MSC) receives a SOC control command from the SOC, the MTX/MSC causes a plurality of BSs to broadcast the SOC command in the network operating area a defined number of times. Each RF control module that successfully receives the broadcast SOC control command, performs actions to control operation of the module's associated streetlight, and transmits a confirmation message to the module's serving BS indicating the SOC command was received. The modules are configured to stagger transmission of the confirmation messages over a period of time to reduce a peak load imposed on the cellular network.