Apparatus and method for accessing a wireless telecommunications network by transmitting a random access signal. The random access signal includes a cyclic prefix signal and a guard interval. The cyclic prefix signal and the guard interval are adapted to optimize random access channel coverage in a telecommunications cell. The disclosed method for transmitting a random access signal includes transmitting a cyclic prefix signal. The duration of the cyclic prefix signal is approximately the sum of a maximum round trip delay duration of the telecommunications cell and a maximum delay spread duration. The method further includes providing a guard interval. The guard interval duration being approximately the duration of the maximum round trip delay of the telecommunications cell.