1. A method for encoding signals to be transmitted from a plurality of transmitting antennas comprising the steps of: mapping a block of bits, having a duration T, into a first vector; processing said vector with a set of mutually orthogonal vectors and a delayed symbols vector to develop a current symbols vector; delaying said current symbols vector by said duration T; mapping said current symbols vector with a space time coder to develop a plurality of signals; and applyiiig said plurality of signals to said plurality of antennas.