A futuristic mobile communication system is proposed, based on the integration of a high-capacity digital cellular mobile radio system with a packet-switched routing network. Every communication terminal, e. g. a telephone, viewphone or computer, is connected to the fixed part of the local area network (LAN) by short-distance radiocommunication. These terminals are deemed to be ‘mobiles’, irrespective of whether they are in motion. The propagation frequencies advocated are mainly those in the absorption band A1(51.4–66 GHz). Oxygen absorption of radiated energy in this band is 14 dB/km, and this characteristic is utilised to formulated microcellular structures that are tailored to suit specific geographical locations. The small size of the microcells ensures that the radiated power levels are low and that the date capacity per area is high, and, as a consequence, vast numbers of users can be accommodated. Although the microcells are shaped to the environment, the transceivers are standardised. All signals are digitised prior to radio transmission, and the fixed part of the LAN must be able to accommodate the huge mobile data rate, as must the main trunk network. Thus we suggest and optical-fibre LAN and packetised routing network to overlay the existing networks. Also considered briefly are noncommunication services, such as automatic vehicular location, integration of the communication network with an adaptive traffic control system, route guidance and the mobile office. The treatment is qualitative.