- Support two basic modes: FDD and TDD modes
- High chip rate (3.84 Mcps) and data rates (up to 2 Mbps)
- Employs coherent detection on uplink and downlink based on the use of pilot symbols
- Inter-cell asynchronous operation
- Fast adaptive power control in the downlink based on SIR
- Provision of multirate services
- Packet data
- Seamless inter-frequency handover
- Intersystem handovers, e.g. between GSM and WCDMA
- Support for advanced technologies like multiuser detection (MUD) and smart adaptive antennas