AbstractConsumer and business demands for cellular mobile telephones and residential cordless phones are growing rapidly throughout the world. Both are relatively new and still function with their original, first generation technologies. In response to various pressures second generation systems and services are scheduled for introduction over the next three years. Meanwhile researches are formulating a vision of the third generation, when cordless, cellular, and other wireless networks will merge in a unified means of wireless access to advanced information services.This paper traces the evolution of wireless information networks by examining goals, network architecture, transmission technologies, and control channels. In each instance, we describe, in a general way, first generation systems. We then discuss details of four different second generation systems: Pan‐European Digital Cellular (GSM), North American Digital Cellular (IS‐54), Second Generation Cordless Telecommunications (CT2), and Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT). Finally, we provide a glimpse into the future by presenting work in progress on third generation technology, based on packet transmission and switch