Techniques to enhance the performance in a wireless communication system using CQI feedback optimized to support different scenarios. According to one aspect, an access terminal may select a CQI feedback table based on the access terminals capability. According to another aspect, an access point may select a CQI feedback table based on an access terminals capability, system loading and the type of service provided by the access point. An access point which provides services that require high data rates may select a larger CQI feedback table to support the high data rates for access terminals which support the larger CQI feedback table. The same access point may select a smaller CQI feedback table for access terminals which do not have the capability or need for the high data rate services.