Technology for selecting physical resource blocks (PRB) for cell-specific reference signal (CRS) transmission for a new carrier type (NCT) is disclosed. In an example, device operable in an evolved Node B (eNB) to select physical resource blocks (PRB) for cell-specific reference signal (CRS) transmission for a new carrier type (NCT) can include computer circuitry configured to: Determine a frequency bandwidth for the NCT; and select a CRS pattern of PRBs for a transmission of the CRS in the frequency bandwidth, wherein the frequency bandwidth includes PRBs with CRS and PRBs without CRS.