This paper presents an access-independent network architecture for supporting UMTS service capabilities. The approach is based on an enhanced B-ISDN core network with personal and terminal mobility provided by intelligent network techniques. A physical realization is presented, and the protocols corresponding to the physical interfaces are identified. Protocols are proposed for UMTS mobility and service support, and the impact on the B-UNI and IN interfaces is considered. Reflecting the vision of the ETSI global multimedia mobility (GMM) standardization framework, UMTS service support through non-UMTS access is considered. Consideration of DECT as a UMTS access technology leads to an interworking proposal that presents each DECT terminal to the core network in terms of UMTS functional entities. Access-independent usage of UMTS terminal applications motivates additional interworking in the terminal to encapsulate the access network. The desirability of an access-independent UMTS application programming interface in the terminal is indicated.