Description
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is not a single technology but a collaborative project between seven telecommunications standard development organizations (ARIB, ATIS, CCSA, ETSI, TSDSI, TTA, TTC), known as Organizational Partners. Its primary output is a complete set of Technical Specifications (TS) and Technical Reports (TR) that define every aspect of a cellular system, from the radio air interface and core network protocols to service capabilities, security, and network management. These specifications are organized into series (e.g., 21-series for requirements, 23-series for system architecture, 24-series for signaling protocols, 25/36/38-series for radio access). The work is conducted through Technical Specification Groups (TSGs) such as RAN (Radio Access Network), SA (Services & Systems Aspects), and CT (Core Network & Terminals), each with multiple Working Groups (WGs) focusing on specific technical areas.
The 3GPP system architecture is defined as a series of interconnected network functions and reference points. It is a modular, service-based architecture (especially from 5G System onwards) that separates the User Plane (data transmission) from the Control Plane (signaling and session management). Key architectural components defined by 3GPP include the Radio Access Network (RAN, e.g., NodeB, eNodeB, gNB), the Core Network (e.g., MSC, SGSN, MME, AMF/SMF/UPF), and the User Equipment (UE). These components communicate via standardized interfaces (e.g., Iu, S1, N2, N4) using detailed protocol stacks spanning layers 1-3 (Physical, Data Link, Network) and higher-layer application protocols.
3GPP works through a release process, where a coherent set of features is frozen and published as a 'Release' (e.g., Rel-15 for 5G Phase 1). Each release builds upon the previous ones, ensuring backward compatibility and a clear evolution path. The specifications are incredibly detailed, covering everything from modulation schemes and channel coding on the physical layer to mobility management procedures, session establishment, quality of service (QoS) handling, and lawful interception. This comprehensive standardization is what allows equipment from different vendors to interoperate seamlessly in a live network, enabling global roaming and a consistent user experience.
The role of 3GPP in the network ecosystem is foundational. It provides the 'blueprint' that network operators use to procure and deploy infrastructure, that device manufacturers use to build compliant chipsets and handsets, and that application developers can rely upon for consistent network capabilities. By defining the system end-to-end, 3GPP ensures that innovations in one part of the network (e.g., a new radio technique) are integrated with necessary updates in other parts (e.g., core network signaling), maintaining system integrity. Its specifications are the de facto global standard for cellular technology beyond 3G.
Purpose & Motivation
3GPP was created to address the fragmentation and incompatibility of 2G cellular standards, primarily in Europe, and to develop a unified, globally applicable 3G standard. Prior to 3GPP, regional standards bodies developed technologies in isolation (e.g., GSM in Europe, cdmaOne in the US, PDC in Japan), which hindered global roaming, increased costs through lack of economies of scale, and slowed innovation. The initial purpose was to produce Technical Specifications for a 3G system based on the evolved GSM core network and a new radio access technology—the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which included both FDD (W-CDMA) and TDD modes. This collaborative model was designed to pool global expertise and market influence to create a single, strong evolutionary path for mobile communications.
The project solves the fundamental problem of interoperability in a multi-vendor, multi-operator global ecosystem. Without such detailed and universally adopted standards, mobile devices would only work on specific networks built with equipment from a single supplier, severely limiting competition, consumer choice, and innovation. 3GPP's work ensures that a mobile phone purchased in one country can operate on networks across the world, that network operators can mix and match equipment from different vendors, and that the industry can converge on a common technology roadmap. This drives down costs through mass production and fosters a healthy competitive environment for both network infrastructure and consumer devices.
Furthermore, 3GPP provides a structured framework for the continuous evolution of mobile technology. By working in releases, it allows the industry to plan for the introduction of new capabilities (like high-speed packet access with HSPA, all-IP cores with SAE/EPC, or network slicing in 5G) in a coordinated manner. This addresses the limitations of previous approaches where upgrades were often proprietary or led to divergent technology forks. The partnership model itself, involving regional standards bodies, ensures that the specifications meet regulatory and market needs from different parts of the world, facilitating truly global adoption.
Classification
Release Timeline
Detected Changes Across Releases
from 3GPP Change RequestsSpecific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (207 CRs across 5 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.
In Release 15, the definition of the 3GPP system was expanded to formally include 5G, and significant enhancements were made to the 3GPP PS Data Off2 feature, including its configuration for MMTEL voice and video services, SMS over IP, and USSI, particularly for roaming scenarios. The release also introduced improved support for non-3GPP access networks, such as WLAN, by enabling QoS differentiation for trusted non-3GPP access and aligning IP address allocation mechanisms between 3GPP and non-3GPP access. Furthermore, corrections and clarifications were provided for procedures involving the transfer of PDN connections and PDU sessions via untrusted non-3GPP access connected to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC).
- Addition of 5G in the definition of 3GPP system TS 21.905CR0116
- 3GPP PS Data Off2 and MMTEL voice and MMTEL video TS 24.173CR0127
- MMTEL voice and MMTEL video configuration for 3GPP PS Data Off2 TS 24.275CR0001
- Enabling 3GPP PS data off in roaming TS 24.301CR3027
- Support of QoS differentiation for trusted non-3GPP access TS 24.302CR0632
- 3GPP PS Data Off2 and SMS over IP TS 24.341CR0090
+ 47 more changes
In Release 16, 3GPP enhanced integration with non-3GPP access networks, such as WLAN and newly defined wireline access, by introducing specific procedures for handover of ongoing MMTEL voice/video and SMS over IP services from non-3GPP access to the NAS. It also added support for a trusted non-3GPP access networks list on the USIM and refined network policies and retry restrictions for this access type. Furthermore, the release defined mechanisms for service request initiation and deregistration specifically when a UE is registered over both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses.
- Specify storage for a potentially separate KSEAF for non-3gpp access on the USIM TS 31.102CR0864
- Support for Trusted non-3GPP access networks list by USIM TS 31.102CR0891
- Access stratum connection and user-plane resources for trusted non-3GPP access and wireline access TS 24.501CR1685
- Retry restriction on non-3GPP access TS 24.501CR1699
- Introduction of SNPN-specific attempt counter for non-3GPP access and counter for "the entry for the current SNPN considered invalid for non-3GPP access" events TS 24.501CR1756
- Provide handover of ongoing MMTEL voice or MMTEL video from non-3GPP access indication to NAS TS 24.173CR0142
+ 38 more changes
In Release 17, key enhancements for the 3GPP system function included improved integration and policy handling for non-3GPP access networks, such as WLAN, particularly for services like MMTEL Voice/Video and SMS over IP. The release also introduced specific support for Standalone Non-Public Networks (SNPNs), defining access modes for UEs using SNPN services via a PLMN and vice-versa. Furthermore, it provided clarifications and support for Multi-Access PDU Sessions with 3GPP access in the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and refined procedures for UE behavior regarding PS data off settings across different access types.
- 3GPP PS data off and UE in SNPN TS 24.173CR0148
- Support for MA PDU Session with 3GPP access in EPC TS 24.301CR3591
- 3GPP PS data off and UE in SNPN TS 24.341CR0097
- 3GPP PS data off and UE in SNPN TS 24.390CR0058
- Support for MA PDU Session with 3GPP access in EPC TS 24.501CR3208
- Update Non-3GPP TAI to support N3SLICE TS 24.501CR3336
+ 48 more changes
In Release 18, key enhancements for the 3GPP system function focused on improving integration and mobility between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks. This included introducing a dedicated non-3GPP access path switching procedure and defining new capabilities for the UE, AMF, and SMF to support this switching. The release also provided clarifications for interworking with non-3GPP access, such as for N1 mode and the ePDG, and refined support for services like DC in 3GPP PS Data Off exempt services and MPS/MCS indicators across both access types.
- Support for UE accessing SNPN services using non-3GPP access TS 24.501CR4944
- AMF to indicate the capability of supporting non-3GPP access path switching TS 24.501CR5312
- UE to indicate the capability of supporting non-3GPP access path switching TS 24.501CR5313
- SMF to indicate the capability of supporting non-3GPP access path switching TS 24.501CR5314
- Introducing the non-3GPP access path switching procedure TS 24.501CR5315
- PDU session IDs not included in Uplink data status IE during non-3GPP access path switching TS 24.501CR5449
+ 27 more changes
In Release 19, key enhancements focused on integrating non-3GPP access networks more deeply into the 3GPP system framework. Specifically, this included introducing QoS differentiation and PDU session handling specifically for non-3GPP device identifiers, and supporting PDU set identification for non-3GPP access. Additionally, the release provided clarifications and procedure updates for 3GPP PS Data Off functionality and improved support for multi-access PDU sessions involving path switching.
- Support DC in 3GPP PS Data Off exempt services TS 24.275CR0008
- RAT utilization control support in 3GPP access TS 24.501CR6461
- PDU set identification for non-3GPP access TS 24.501CR6577
- Support of reject QoS differentiation for non-3GPP device identifier(s) TS 24.501CR6926
- Procedure update for QoS differentiation of non-3GPP device identifiers TS 24.501CR6994
- Suspending QoS differentiation for non-3GPP device identifier TS 24.501CR7087
+ 17 more changes
Explore further
Broader topics and technologies where 3GPP plays a role.
Defining Specifications
3GPP specifications that define or reference 3GPP, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.
| Specification | Title | Release |
|---|---|---|
| TR 21.905 vj00 | 3GPP Technical Terms and Definitions | Rel-19 |
| TS 22.011 vj50 | Service Accessibility Procedures | Rel-19 |
| TS 22.226 vj00 | Global Text Telephony (GTT) Stage 1 | Rel-19 |
| TR 22.935 vd00 | LCS Feasibility Study for 3GPP-WLAN Interworking | Rel-13 |
| TS 23.701 vc00 | WebRTC Access to IMS Architecture Study | Rel-12 |
| TS 24.161 vj00 | Network-Based IP Flow Mobility (NBIFOM) | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.173 vj00 | Multimedia Telephony Service and Supplementary Services in IMS | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.186 vj60 | IMS Data Channel applications | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.196 vj00 | Enhanced Calling Name (eCNAM) Stage 3 Protocol | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.229 vj50 | IMS call control protocol based on SIP and SDP | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.234 vc20 | 3GPP-WLAN Interworking Network Selection | Rel-12 |
| TS 24.275 vj00 | MO for MMTEL Basic Communication Part | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.301 vj60 | NAS protocol for Evolved Packet System | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.302 vj00 | Access to EPC via non-3GPP networks; Stage 3 | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.341 vj00 | SMS over IP protocol details | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.390 vj00 | USSD over IMS Procedures | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.424 vj00 | XCAP over Ut for Supplementary Services MO | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.429 v1700 | Explicit Communication Transfer (ECT) Service Specification | Rel-7 |
| TS 24.501 vj50 | 5G NAS Protocols Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.529 v820 | Explicit Communication Transfer (ECT) Simulation Service | Rel-8 |
| TS 24.623 vj00 | XCAP Protocol for Supplementary Services | Rel-19 |
| TS 24.629 vj00 | Explicit Communication Transfer (ECT) Protocol | Rel-19 |
| TS 25.142 vj00 | UTRA TDD Base Station RF Test Methods | Rel-19 |
| TR 25.914 vj00 | 3G UE Radio Performance Test Methods | Rel-19 |
| TS 26.077 vj00 | AMR Noise Suppression Minimum Performance Requirements | Rel-19 |
| TR 26.948 vj00 | Video enhancements for 3GPP Multimedia Services | Rel-19 |
| TS 28.203 vi10 | Charging management | Rel-18 |
| TS 28.204 vi11 | Charging management | Rel-18 |
| TS 28.849 vj10 | CAPIF Phase2 Charging Study | Rel-19 |
| TS 29.412 v1810 | Trunking Gateway Control Procedures | Rel-8 |
| TS 29.424 v801 | H.248 Profile for Trunking Media Gateways | Rel-8 |
| TS 31.102 vj40 | USIM Application Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 31.103 vj00 | ISIM Application Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 31.111 vj30 | USIM Application Toolkit (USAT) Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 31.121 vi50 | UICC-terminal interface test specification | Rel-18 |
| TR 31.822 vi10 | Technical Report on GBA_U based APIs | Rel-18 |
| TS 32.240 vj40 | Charging Management Architecture & Principles | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.250 vj00 | Circuit Switched Offline Charging | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.252 vc00 | 3GPP WLAN Interworking Charging | Rel-12 |
| TS 32.270 vj00 | MMS Charging Management Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.271 vj20 | 3GPP LCS Charging Management Spec | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.276 vj00 | VCS Online Charging from Proxy Function | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.277 vj20 | Charging Management for Proximity Services (ProSe) | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.278 vj00 | Monitoring Events Offline Charging Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.293 vj00 | Proxy Function in Domestic Service Provider | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.295 vj00 | 3GPP Charging: CDR Transfer via GTP' Protocol | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.298 vj30 | Charging Data Record (CDR) Parameter Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.404 vj00 | Performance Management Definitions & Template | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.406 vj00 | Performance Management for CN PS Domain | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.409 vj00 | IMS Performance Management Measurements | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.425 vj00 | E-UTRAN Performance Measurements | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.452 vj00 | PM Measurements for Home Node B Subsystem | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.453 vj00 | PM for Home eNodeB Subsystem (HeNS) | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.849 vd00 | IMS Roaming Charging Study | Rel-13 |
| TS 32.850 ve00 | IMS Charging Correlation Methods Study | Rel-14 |
| TS 33.105 vj00 | 3G Security: Cryptographic Algorithm Requirements | Rel-19 |
| TS 34.114 vc20 | Radiated Performance Test Procedure for UE/MS | Rel-12 |
| TS 35.205 vj00 | MILENAGE Algorithm Set: General Overview | Rel-19 |
| TS 35.234 vj00 | MILENAGE-256 Algorithm Set Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 35.235 vj00 | MILENAGE-256 Algorithm Set Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 35.236 vj00 | MILENAGE-256 Algorithm Set Specification | Rel-19 |
| TR 35.909 vj00 | 3GPP MILENAGE Algorithm Design Report | Rel-19 |
| TR 35.937 vj00 | MILENAGE-256 Algorithm Set Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 37.544 vg70 | UE Radiated Performance Test Procedures | Rel-16 |
| TR 37.828 vh20 | High-power UE for fixed-wireless/vehicle use | Rel-17 |
| TR 37.829 vi00 | Technical Report | Rel-18 |
| TR 37.880 vh20 | High-power UE for fixed-wireless/vehicle use | Rel-17 |
| TR 37.902 vj00 | OTA TRP/TRS Measurement for LTE Terminals | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.795 vj00 | High Power UE Technical Report for NR FR1 | Rel-19 |
