Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate dynamic selection of a random access channel configuration. Typically, a single random access channel configuration is utilized throughout a cell; however, the configuration employed, while appropriate for some mobile devices within the cell, can introduce unnecessary overhead for other mobile devices. A mobile device can measure a characteristic of a radio link between the mobile device and a base station. The measurement can be compared to a set of thresholds provided by the base station. Based upon the comparison, a random access channel configuration can be selected from a set of formats. The selected configuration can be utilized to initiate random access procedures.