The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a globally significant third-generation (3G) mobile cellular radio system. It provides a natural progression path for all GSM/GPRS networks and is therefore rapidly becoming the most widely adopted 3G technology globally.

The use of UMTS and HSPA enables mobile-network operators to offer advanced multimedia-based services through the capability to support higher bit rates and, importantly, a much more flexible radio interface compared with 2G technologies. These new service capabilities make additional market sectors accessible for new and existing network operators alike. UMTS also brings improved quality, more capacity and more efficient network operation, in terms of both the radio interface and the core network.

The courses in this category cover all aspects of UMTS and HSPA operation from the radio air interface through to the core network including planning and optimization. There are courses that would suit engineers who need to add to their existing knowledge on the subject and those who are completely new to this technology.

This category now also covers courses and material relating to the next evolutionary step for 3GPP-defined networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE). It is crucial for engineers to appreciate at this early stage the capabilities and implications for this new technology.