) already determine the performance of some parts of the front end of a mobile phone. The SAW and/or FBAR filters used in the transmit and receive path are an example. NEMS (nanoelectromechanical systems) are a logical next step. Nanoscale devices are generally referred to as structures sized between 1 to 100 nanometres in at least one dimension. The devices require processes that can be implemented at atomic or molecular scale. 20 The deposition of a single layer of atoms on a substrate is one example. Structures exhibit quantum-mechanical effects at this scale. Materials behave differently. As a reminder a nanometre is one billionth of a metre. A microscale device is generally described as a structure sized between 1 and 1000 millimetres in one dimension. A millimetre is one thousandth of a metre. One of the traditional problems with many RF components is that they do not scale in the same way that semiconductor devices scale. Applying NEMS techniques to RF com- ponents may change this. But first, let's remind ourselves of the problem that needs to be solved. Mobile broadband data consumption is presently quadrupling annually and operators need to ensure that this data demand can be served cost efficiently. Part of the cost-efficiency equation is determined by the RF efficiency of the front end of the phone. The increase in data consumption is motivating operators to acquire additional spectrum. However, this means that new bands have to be added to the phone. Each additional band supported in a traditional RF front end introduces potential added insertion loss and results 20 A molecule consists of two or more atoms bonded together. Making Telecoms Work in decreased isolation between multiple signal paths within the user's device. Additionally, a market assumption that users require high peak data rates has resulted in changes to the physical layer that reduce rather than increase RF efficiency. Two examples are multiple antennas and channel bonding. Economists remain convinced that scale economy in the mobile-