Introduction: Machine-to-machine communication assumes data transmission from various wireless devices and attracts attention of cellular operators. In this regard, it is crucial to recognize and control overload situations when a large number of such devices access the network over a short time interval.Purpose:Analysis of the radio network overload at the initial network entry stage in a machine-to-machine communication system.Results: A system is considered that features multiple smart meters, which may report alarms and autonomously collect energy consumption information. An analytical approach is proposed to study the operation of a large number of devices in such a system as well as model the settings of the random-access protocol in a cellular network and overload control mechanisms with respect to the access success probability, network access latency, and device power consumption. A comparison between the obtained analytical results and simulation data is also offered.