Abstract. The claim for multistandard operating handsets of small physical size as well as the ever increasing demand for higher data rates require new broadband operating antennas. Because of the widespread use of especially planar broadband antennas a lot of factors influencing the characteristic antenna parameters have to be regarded. Furthermore, aspects regarding the electromagnetic compatibility inside the handheld as well as the protection of biological systems, e.g. the user of a mobilephone, have to be payed attention to. An electromagnetic structure which allows for protection by means of shielding as well as enhances the antennas efficiency by providing unique electromagnetic properties are the so called Sievenpiper High Impedance Surfaces (HIS) invented by Sievenpiper (1999). This paper will present the theory and the well known design equations for those structures. An investigation by means of simulation tools and measurement setups will be done to approve the accuracy of the theoretical results. Here measurement results of the impedance and radiation properties of a planar log.-per. four-arm antenna equiped in conjunction with a fabricated prototype Sievenpiper HIS will be presented.