A method and apparatus for optimizing downlink transmission in a wireless communication network (100) includes determining (502) a distance of each of a plurality of remote devices (102-114) from a network node (120) and allocating (506) downlink symbols of a frame (300) for the downlink transmission based on the determined distance of each of the plurality of remote devices. Earlier downlink symbols of the frame are allocated to at least one remote device of the plurality of remote devices positioned more distant from the network node in comparison to at least other remote device positioned less distant from the network node.