European perspectives on third generation personal communication systems

Some of the general trends and perspectives of cordless and cellular systems are discussed. Cordless and cellular systems will develop and converge to form personal communication systems. This will happen as cellular systems grow down and cordless systems grow up. Both of them are essential components of a full personal communication system, and should be harnessed. This can only happen if both systems are compatible, or at least very similar. In this event, one handset could in theory access either large-cell cellular systems, medium-sized urban cells, or micro cellular cordless systems. Not all handsets manufactured would have all of these capabilities. The simplest handsets could access only the cordless systems, and middle of the range handsets, both the cordless and urban systems. Top of the range handsets could access cordless, urban and cellular systems with national scope. Some of the particular features of the next generation digital systems and the possibility for integration are discussed. Techniques needed for the design of future personal communication systems are outlined