Systems and methods are described for determining a subframe configuration for an access node based on coverage. An access node may communicate with wireless devices using a subframe configuration, however there may be a plurality of subframe configuration options. A utility function may be calculated for each of the plurality of subframe configurations based on, for example, a coverage for each subframe configuration and a number of wireless devices serviced by each subframe configuration. The utility function may provide an indication of a subframe configuration's value to the wireless system based on considerations such as coverage over wireless devices and signal quality for the covered wireless devices. The subframe configuration with the greatest utility function may then be selected to be used for communication between the access node and wireless devices.