The background to second generation cordless telephony (CT-2) is set out to show the relationship between telepoint and cellular radio services. The physical layer of the telepoint air-interface is described with justification of the technical choices made in working towards the common air-interface which will supercede initial proprietary standards. The various channels and signalling multiplexes are then discussed in sufficient detail to permit understanding of the procedures by which portable terminals establish connections through base stations to the public switched network. The paper concludes with an optimistic projection of the future for telepoint services in the UK and other European countries.