a method and apparatus for reducing signal interference within a cellular radio system to increase both coverage and capacity . the method and apparatus include altering the direction of beams within cell sectors is among discrete angular positions according to a predetermined , cyclic pattern . the predetermined , cyclic pattern varies in a group of adjacent cell sectors such that inter - cell interference is significantly reduced or eliminated by rotating at a different cycle the beams in adjacent cells . this discrete , angular movement of beams provides for downlink transmissions to be timed in such a way such that transmission to a user will occur in accordance with the beam and time slot having the best carrier to interference ratio for that user .