Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication that support positioning techniques are described. One method may include receiving a positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration; receiving a plurality of PRS transmissions over a shared radio frequency spectrum from a plurality of base stations; and transmitting a measurement report of the PRS transmissions. The PRS transmissions may be received according to the PRS configuration. Another method may include receiving a discovery reference signal (DRS) transmission from a first base station; decoding a cell identifier of the first base station based on the DRS transmission; determining timing information of the first base station based on the DRS transmission; and transmitting a measurement report of the DRS transmission to a second base station.