3GPP – The organisation behind the standard

LTE is defined as a standard through 3GPP, the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project.

This is a cooperation of telecommunications standardisation organisations. Large standardisation bodies from all over the world are united in 3GPP as ‘Organisational Partners’ (OPs). Originally 3GPP was established in 1998 to produce a set of technical specifications for a 3^rd Generation mobile system based on the GSM core network. Over the years, extra tasks were requested so that after making standards for the 3G system, the united organisations cooperation in 3GPP remained.

3GPP is structured in Project Coordination Groups (PCGs), which have the responsibility for the running of 3GPP. The PCG is the highest decision making body in 3GPP. The PCGs meet twice each year to adopt new work items submitted by the specification groups and to keep track of the overall time frame. The real specification work is done by Technical Specification Groups (TSGs) which can organise their work in Working Groups (WGs). The TSGs are divided in four groups with each their own responsibilities and WGs, they report to the PCGs.

• TSG GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access Network)
• TSG RAN (Radio Access Network)
• TSG SA (Service & Systems Aspects)
• TSG CT (Core Network & Terminals)

The PCGs have plenary meetings twice each year; the TSGs have these official meetings each quartile. The individual WGs also meet between these plenary meetings. To make sure the work done by the TSGs meets market requirements, Market Representation Partners (MPRs) are invited to 3GPP. The MPRs themselves are not standardisation bodies, but do have high competence in their field of work. They provide feedback and input on what features and functionality is needed in new specifications.

The specifications are grouped in ‘Releases’. Dates are set for new releases to be finished. The features which are ready to be implemented in the release by that date are ‘frozen’ into the release. Features which did not make the freeze date are postponed to a later release. When a release is frozen, it can be used to build mobile systems, as all specifications and standards are known and will not be changed.

A few releases, and a very simple description about their content.

Release 99 (2000)

Specifications of the UMTS network and the CDMA air interface

Release 5 (2002)

Introduction of High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)

Release 6 (2004)

Integrate operation of Wireless LAN and introduction of HSUPA (Uplink)

Release 8 (2008)

First release of LTE, introducing All-IP network and OFDM

Release 10 (2011)

First official 4G compatible specifications: LTE-Advanced

Release 11 is currently being developed and planned to be released in 2012

The Technical Specifications developed by the TSGs are owned by the Organisational Partners. 3GPP does however, not make the formal contributions to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Submission to the ITU is done by the individual members following their own national/regional processes. Reason for this is that 3GPP is not established as a legal entity, and therefore the standardisation body is not a de jure organisation. The ITU itself is such a de jure standardisation organisation. The Technical Specifications, developed by 3GPP, submitted by the individual members, to the ITU, will therefore be effective as de jure standards, even though they are developed in a de facto standardisation body, 3GPP. 

References:

Partnership Project Description

Partnership Project Agreement

3GPP website