Abstract: The intersymbol interference compensation (ISIC) method of the invention comprises an encoding step performed by an encoder and a data estimating step performed a data estimator. The encoder performs at least a trellis encoding of a data sequence using a trellis forward-error-correction (FEC) code to provide an encoded sequence, which is supplied to a channel. The data estimator, which advantageously processes a channel output sequence to arrive at an estimate of the data sequence, comprises at least a template generator for generating templates, a partial equalizer for processing the channel output sequence to provide a partially equalized sequence that is substantially free of precursor ISI, and an ISIC decoder for trellis decoding and ISI compensation.