Assigning a priority to a network node based on determining that traffic congestion in a wireless communication network is above a threshold value

A method 300 and apparatus (120 fig. 1) for controlling traffic congestion in a wireless communication network includes determining 302 that the traffic congestion at a plurality of geographical locations in the wireless conununication network is above a predetermined threshold value. At least one geographical location of the plurality of geographical locations is identified 304, wherein the identification of the at least one geographical location is based on the determination of the traffic congestion in the plurality of geographical locations. At least one network node (e.g. base station, access point, Node B, base station controller, mobile switching center) of a plurality of network nodes located in proximity of the identified geographical location is selected 306 and assigned 308 a first level of priority during congestion control. The method and apparatus seek to provide traffic congestion techniques for high profile and emergency locations that may require higher priority under emergency situations.