Embodiments are described herein for selective joinder of wireless cells by machine-type communication (“MTC”) user equipment (“UE”). An MTC UE may detect a plurality of wireless cells, each provided by an evolved Node B (“eNB”). The MTC UE may detect eNB categories associated with individual wireless cells of the plurality of wireless cells, and may identify one or more wireless cells of the plurality of detected wireless cells on which MTC traffic is permitted based on the associated eNB categories. The MTC UE may selectively join a wireless cell of the one or more identified wireless cells based on a cell selection criterion. Additionally, an eNB may provide a wireless cell and provide, to an MTC UE, an MTC policy that identifies a circumstance under which the eNB will permit MTC traffic. The eNB may be configured to selectively serve the MTC UE based on the MTC policy.