High Speed

UMTS has the ability to provide data rates upto 2 Mbps. This is maximum if we compare it with other 2G and 2.5G networks. This would in turn bring features such as video conferencing, real time streaming and other high bandwidth applications into reality. Furthermore, Bearer services have different QoS (Quality Of Service) parameters for maximum transfer delay, delay variation and bit error rate. Offered data rates could be 144 kbps for setallite/rural outdoor, 384 kbps for urban outdoor, 2048 kbps for indoor and low range outdoor.

Packet Transmission

Current cellular systems are based upon circuit-switched data while UMTS is based on packet switching technolody. This would bring highly customized and controlled data rates while being virtually connected all the times. This will also allow to have several forms of billing such as pay per download, pay per session etc depending upon the requirement of the service used.
UMTS is also providing "data rate on demand" feature which could make the charges more cheap.

Consistent Service and Coverage

UMTS is perceived as a global system of communication. Hence, it is also providing compatibility with other networks such as GSM and Satellite. Satellite is the major way to provide global access, hence UMTS has been standardised to ensure an efficient and effective roaming and handover between satellite and terrestrial networks. UMTS will also provide consistent set of services while a user switches from one network to another during roaming. This terminology is also reffered to as VHE (Virtual Home Environment).

UMTS Spectrum

WRC’92 identified the frequency bands 1885-2025 MHz and 2110-2200 MHz for future IMT-2000 systems, with the bands 1980-2010 MHz and 2170-2200 MHz intended for the satellite part of these future systems. These bands are available for UMTS licences to enable operators for network deployments.

Others

UMTS also has improved network security and location based services.