3GPP

3GPP, or the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, is a collaborative initiative of telecommunications standardization organizations tasked with developing globally applicable mobile system specifications. Formed in 1998 to coordinate and unify the evolution of mobile technologies, 3GPP produces the technical standards that underpin GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G architectures. Rather than building networks or devices itself, 3GPP creates Technical Specifications and Technical Reports that are implemented by equipment vendors, network operators, and service providers worldwide.

The project operates through a structured organization of groups and releases. Work is conducted within Technical Specification Groups, including the Radio Access Network (RAN), Core Network and Terminals (CT), and Service and System Aspects (SA). These groups are subdivided into Working Groups and coordinated through regular plenary meetings. The output consists of a large set of TSs and TRs, organized into progressive “Releases” that describe the features and capabilities available at a given stage. Each release represents a milestone in the development and deployment of mobile technology, such as 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G NR.

Membership comprises a broad coalition of national and regional standards bodies, telecommunications industry participants, and operators from around the world. 3GPP specifications are widely adopted and form the basis for interoperability in global mobile networks and devices. The project continues to evolve, guiding the standardization of current and future mobile generations and their associated interfaces and protocols.