Operator design and planning issues for UMTS networks

The UK government is planning to auction spectrum for UMTS services in the summer of 1999. Potential UMTS network operators are therefore assessing the value of this spectrum in preparation of possible bids in the auction. This paper explores the design and planning issues facing an operator considering the deployment of a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), based upon the system currently being proposed by the ETSI. In particular, areas of current uncertainty are raised to direct future work to areas critical to understanding the capabilities of UMTS and the costs of network deployment.