What is UMTS? [mobile telecommunications]

The author describes what UMTS is. This information is based on the work being carried out in the RACE 2 Monet project, on the discussions going on in the ITU and on the initial discussions taking place in ETSI. GSM is the well known name for second generation mobile networks in Europe and beyond. UMTS is the European name for third generation mobile systems. The primary objective of third generation systems will be to improve on the services provided to the mobile user; the key issues for enhancement are highlighted to illustrate what the third generation comprises