Broadcast-centric cellular communication system

The system according to claim 17 wherein the means for synchronously and simultaneously broadcasting system-specific control information includes means for simultaneously broadcasting an identical message from each base station.

A method of delivering broadcast information to mobile stations operating in a cellular communication system having a plurality of base stations that transmit signals within a plurality of associated cells, said method comprising:

• synchronously and simultaneously broadcasting from a predefined group of base stations, system-specific control information common to all cells;
• and
• transmitting individually from each base station in the group, cell-specific control information.

A method of delivering broadcast information to mobile stations operating in a cellular communication system having a plurality of base stations that transmit signals within a plurality of associated cells, said method comprising:

• synchronously and simultaneously broadcasting from a predefined group of base stations, system-specific control information common to all cells and a list of cell identifiers;
• and
• after a mobile station has made an initial system access, transmitting more detailed system information to the mobile station using a point-to-point link.

A wireless multi-cellular telecommunication system having a plurality of base stations that transmit signals within a plurality of associated cells, said system comprising:

• means for synchronously and simultaneously broadcasting from a predefined group of base stations, system-specific control information common to all cells and a list of cell identifiers;
• and
• means responsive to an initial system access by a mobile station, for transmitting more detailed system information to the mobile station using a point-to-point link.