A novel compact dual-frequency monopole antenna is developed by gap-coupled technique for wireless handsets. It occupies a small size of 38 ?? 12 ?? 5 mm3, but the impedance bandwidth of the antenna (VSWR < 2.5) covers the global system for mobile communication (890-960 MHz), digital communication system (1710-1880 MHz), personal communication system (1850-1990 MHz), and universal mobile telecommunication system (1920-2170 MHz). It provides a new choice for the third generation mobile communication system.