Abstract: A cellular radio system and a method for transmitting pilot channels in a cellular radio network includes, in each cell, at least one base station communicating with mobile stations located within its area. The base stations transmit a data signal in the downlink direction by using transmission directions that change in time and which transmit information about the system to the mobile stations on control channels. In order to enable the most efficient use of the pilot channels, the base stations transmit at least one first pilot channel with a predetermined radiation pattern and second pilot channels on transmission directions that change in time. The predetermined radiation pattern determines the cell coverage area.