Technology for a user equipment (UE) operable to decode a resource mapping pattern of a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS) received from a base station in a wireless network is disclosed. The UE can decode control signaling received in a downlink from the base station. The control signaling can indicate a resource mapping pattern for a PT-RS. The UE can identify the resource mapping pattern for the PT-RS based on the control signaling received from the base station. The UE can encode one or more PT-RS for transmission to the base station in an uplink in accordance with the resource mapping pattern for the PT-RS.