In one aspect, a method to enhance coverage in a heterogeneous wireless network wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes generating a reference signal indicating a plurality of transmit antenna ports and generating modulation symbols. Modulation symbols are assigned to each of the plurality of transmit antenna ports, in accordance with a spatial diversity coding scheme for the plurality of transmit antenna ports. At least one of the modulation symbols assigned to at least one of the plurality of transmit antenna ports is muted prior to transmission in accordance with the spatial diversity coding scheme. The non-muted modulation symbols and the reference signal are transmitted on the other of the plurality of transmit antenna ports.