An eNodeB (eNB), user equipment (UE) and method of providing a quasi-orthogonal multiple access (QOMA) resources are generally described. The UE receives allocation of orthogonal multiple access (OMA) and non-OMA (NOMA) resources. The UE transmits data up to a maximum NOMA rate and NOMA Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) using the NOMA resources without receiving an explicit transmission grant from the eNB. The eNB may allocate multiple NOMA regions associated with different maximum rates, MCSs, number of UEs, UE types, applications and sizes. If the data exceeds the NOMA conditions or the UE is unable to transmit data using the allocated NOMA resources or does not receive an acknowledgement from the eNB regarding reception of the transmitted data, the UE may request an explicit grant of the OMA resources from the eNB and, upon receiving an allocation of the OMA resources, subsequently transmit the data using the allocated OMA resources.