Future Evolution of 3G Networks

This paper will provide an overview of the UMTS network and the initial phase of enhancements. It will visit some of the techniques that are being studied in the second phase of the evolution process of 3G for spectral and network efficiency and new services. It also aims to provide an in-depth discussion of the challenges, proposals and benefits of the main features on the radio network that are being studied for the second phase like Enhanced Uplink, MBMS, distributed UTRAN architecture, network sharing, Push to Talk, etc.