Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are described for discontinuous multi-carrier uplink management in a wireless communication system. Common timing parameters may be identified for use in relation to discontinuous uplink transmissions on each of a two or more wireless carriers concurrently transmitting from an access terminal. A first operational state is associated with a first wireless carrier, while a second, different state is associated with a second wireless carrier. The first carrier may be operated in the first operational state concurrently with the second carrier being operated in the second operational state, with each carrier operated in accordance with the common timing parameters.