IMT-2000 standards: Radio aspects

One of the key characteristics of IMT-2000 is the advanced radio technologies that will offer a whole new range of capabilities to the users of international mobile telecommunications. This article starts by comparing the significant differences between second-generation mobile systems and the major objectives envisioned for IMT-2000, with particular emphasis on the satellite component. It also describes the flexible modular architecture for IMT-2000, which will facilitate the introduction and evolution of new capabilities. The article overviews the technology facilitators that, by the year 2000, will greatly assist the economic implementation of these new systems. Finally, the ITU process for the selection of radio technologies that will 3 fulfill these ambitious requirements is also outlined.