This article aims to provide a review of the most up-to-date frequency
planning techniques suitable for current digital cellular systems. Fr
equency planning is becoming a key issue in the current scenario, with
exceedingly high growth rates in many countries which compel operator
s to re-configure networks virtually on a monthly basis. Therefore, th
e search for smart techniques, which may considerably alleviate planni
ng efforts (and associated costs) becomes extremely important for oper
ators in a competitive market. Although reference will be made particu
larly to a market leader (GSM and its offspring), the considerations r
eported here are quite general, and can be applied to any TDMA/FDMA sy
stem.