Techniques are described for wireless communication. One method includes winning a contention for access to an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, transmitting a request message upon winning the contention for access to the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, and receiving a response message over the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The request message is transmitted by a user equipment (UE) on an enhanced physical random access channel (ePRACH) or shortened ePRACH (SePRACH), to access a cell that operates in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The response message is received in response to transmitting the request message, and the request message may be transmitted irrespective of whether a base station has gained access to the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.