A system for mobile communications includes a protocol module and a radio component. The radio component includes a socket for electrically connecting to the protocol module and the protocol module is replaceable. The protocol module operates to provide functionality to the system according to at least one communications technology. The communications technologies can include any of CDMA, TDMA, GSM, or others. The protocol module can be replaced, for example, a protocol module for CDMA communications can be used where CDMA communications are possible and a separate protocol module for GSM communications can be used where GSM communications are possible. Because the protocol module is replaceable, any communications protocols and technologies, current and future, are viable for operations of the radio component, merely by replaced with an appropriate protocol module for the particular communications protocols and technologies at the location.