the present invention provides for an equalization method that forms the nucleus of a receiver for digital cellular mobile telephones . a number of distinct aspects of the design are considered novel , including non - real time operation that permits and exploits &# 34 ; time - reversed &# 34 ; equalization to significantly enhance bit error rate performance . the present invention employs the use of a maximum likelihood sequence estimation process . it uses variable coefficient least mean square tracking during estimation of the transmission channel &# 39 ; s impulse response . it also employs the use of integrated symbol timing adjustment and carrier tracking algorithms . time - reversed operation further enhances performance and permits implementation with reasonable complexity of a standards compliant mobile receiver .