Techniques for using virtual noise figure for various functions in a wireless communication network are described. A virtual noise figure is an indication of a virtual noise level at a receiver, which may be higher than an actual noise level at the receiver. In an aspect, virtual noise figure may be used for serving base station selection. A terminal may receive information indicative of a virtual noise figure for each of at least one base station. The terminal may select a serving base station based on the virtual noise figure for each base station. The terminal may send data to the serving base station at a rate selected based on an actual noise figure for the serving base station. In other aspects, virtual noise figure may be used for interference management and/or power control.