In places like central London it can sometimes be difficult to get a connection on a GSM handset. This is because the network capacity is fully used up. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Standard) is a new 'third generation' standard for mobile communications which should be in place by 2004. It offers considerably increased capacity compared with 2G, with proposed data rates equivalent to broadband internet.

3G will deliver pictures, graphics, video communications and other wideband information, as well as voice and data, direct to people who can be on the move. It builds on the capability of today's mobile technologies (like digital cellular and cordless) by providing increased capacity, data capability and a far greater range of services, using an innovative radio access scheme and enhanced core network.

UMTS operates at a slightly higher frequency than GSM 1800, thus its antennas are smaller and cannot cover quite such a large area. It needs a very good signal to deliver high data rate services, and this will be achieved by building many more base stations. Estimates of up to 100,000 base stations have been quoted for the UK, but many of these will be tiny transmitters covering just a few hundred metres. for example, each of the 16 video surveillance cameras along London's Oxford Street is a tiny base station.

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