STANDARDIZATION OF 3G MOBILE SYSTEMS

Standardization is today recognized as being an essential discipline for all players within the economy, who must strive to master its motivating forces and implications. Around 20 years ago, it was reserved for a few specialists. However, today many companies have taken standardization on board as a major technical and commercial element in their businesses. These companies are aware that they must play an active role in this field, or be prepared to accept standards that have been established without their participation, or without any consideration of their interests. This paper traces some of the history that will lead to the birth of the third generation of terrestrial mobile systems, provides some background on the main standardization bodies and their organizations, and looks at the terrestrial radio interfaces adopted for 3G mobile systems.