European R&D programs on third-generation mobile communication systems

European third-generation mobile communication systems aim to deliver new wideband multimedia services to the customer and to integrate all the different services of second-generation systems. The enabling platforms, technologies, and applications are the subject of thorough research in the framework of the ACTS R&D program, which is funded by the European Community and follows the RACE program. In the context of mobile and personal communications, the RACE program aimed at the development and validation of the necessary key technologies and concepts that would in the future constitute the "building blocks" of third-generation of mobile communication systems. The integration of these technology "building blocks" into a single new system constitutes the challenge that lies ahead for the ACTS program.