Apparatus and method for wireless communication in a wireless communication network include receiving a synchronization channel message parameter at a user equipment (UE) from a network entity. The aspects also include transmitting data to the network entity based on the synchronization channel message parameter. Additionally, the aspects include determining whether an assignment of a reverse supplemental (RS) channel to the UE is performed by the network entity. Still further, the aspects include incrementing a counter value when the network entity fails to assign the RS channel. The aspects also include selecting another network entity when the counter value reaches a predetermined threshold. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.