Uplink load generation and control simplify network testing and other tasks. For example, a network operator can decide to test the network by imposing a test load in a selected uplink. The operator can suitably configure an appropriate Mobility Management Entity (MME) with information using a network Operations and Maintenance Support System. In due course, the MME informs the selected user equipment (UE): if the UE is in Idle mode, the network sends a page message; if the UE is in Active mode, with an on-going communication session, the page message is sent after the session ends; and if the UE is detached from the network, the UE is informed during the initial network attach procedure. Thus, uplink load generation is controllable by the network operator, enabling the operator to adjust an existing network and perform realistic simulations on a “green field” network, i.e., a network before launch.