Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication system for speech and packet data communication wherein deployment, control and maintenance of packet data functions becomes simpler and less costly. The wireless communication system (111) comprises one or more mobile switching centres (113) having group switches (115). Radio base stations (127) having transceivers programmed with software for handling packet data operation are connected to the mobile switching centre(s) (113). The wireless communication system (111) comprises also a packet data backbone (117), which is connected to the group switch(es) (115) of the mobile switching centre(s) (113). One or more centralised mobile data devices (131) are connected to the group switch(es) (115) of the mobile switching centre(s) (113).