Embodiments contemplate enabling relay node uplink control information transmission on an interface between a relay node and a donor eNodeB (DeNB) in one or more subframes. Embodiments contemplate techniques to avoid restrictions on uplink transmissions on a cell (perhaps due to subframe configuration), such as on a primary cell, where the restrictions may make relay node uplink control information transmission difficult (if not impossible) on the interface between a relay node and a donor eNodeB (DeNB). Embodiments also contemplate that resources on the interface between the relay node and the donor eNodeB may be scheduled across one or more component carriers or serving cells.