Various features related to using a multi-port synchronization signal as reference for demodulating a multi-port broadcast channel are described. In an aspect, a synchronization signal, e.g., SSS, may be repurposed to serve as a demodulation reference for a downlink channel, e.g., PBCH, thereby obviating the need for a base station to send an additional reference signal for PBCH demodulation. A base station may select two or more logical antenna ports to transmit a synchronization signal, transmit the synchronization signal from the selected two or more logical antenna ports, and transmit information on the PBCH, from at least the selected two or more logical antenna ports. A UE may receive the synchronization signal from the two or more logical antenna ports at the base station, receive information on the PBCH from the at least the two or more logical antenna ports, and demodulate the information based on the received synchronization signal.