Mobile Radio Interface for UMTS/IMT-2000 and Related Investigations in the ACTS FRAMES Project

The key requirements on third generation mobile radio systems are presented. Based on these requirements the international standardization process is ongoing in different regions and the ITU with the goal to achieve a global standard as harmonized as possible. These activities are supported by the European research programs, which are partly funded by the European Commission. Especially, the ACTS FRAMES Project has contributed extensively to the evaluation process in ETSI SMG for the preparation of the consensus decision on the UTRA concept in January 1998. In this overview paper the original technical approach for a candidate third generation mobile radio interface of the FRAMES Project, the consensus decision in ETSI SMG on the basic radio interface (UTRA) and the technical approach of the UTRA FDD and TDD component including the parameter harmonization are described.