R & D Activities on Wireless Systems in China Wireless communications systems provide an economical alternative to line transmission systems in sparsely populated areas of China.

his article. which is a companion to the previous article in this special issue, contains details on various wireless systems and the research preceding their practical use. The following are among the specific topics discussed: research establishments, R & D projects underway, challenges inherent to digital radio, and expansion opportunities afforded by satellite communications. Wireless communications includes anymeansof communications that delivers or distributes information through wireless media. In this article wireless communications includes the cordless telephone and the cellular telephone for personalaccess, microwave radio, and satellite communications. Wireless communications provides many advantages, including independence of location, flexibility of use, some tolerance to natural disasters, and cost effectiveness. Because of these attributes, wireless communications is used extensively by developing countries, and especially in China. Communications infrastructures are of utmost importance to China as a means of ensuring the economic success of its open door and other related policies. To support its rapidly expanding economy, the Chinese government and industry are dedicating significant resources to the development and deployment of wireless communications in the telecommunications sector.