Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A base station may determine a terrestrial characteristic of a cell associated with the base station. A UE may perform a synchronization procedure with the cell and may receive, as part of the synchronization procedure, broadcast signaling associated with the cell. The broadcast signaling may identify the terrestrial characteristic of the cell. The base station may initiate communications with the UE based on the broadcast signaling including the indication of the terrestrial characteristic of the cell.