Systems and methods are disclosed for triggering a long range extension mode of operation for a wireless device in a cellular communications network. In one preferred embodiment, the wireless device is a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device. In one embodiment, a node in the cellular communications network determines that the wireless device is to operate in the long range extension mode if there is difficulty in establishing communication between the wireless device and the cellular communications network. If the wireless device is to operate in the long range extension mode, the node activates one or more long range extension mechanisms with respect to the wireless device such that the wireless device operates in the long range extension mode. In this manner, the long range extension mode is selectively triggered for the wireless device.