3GPPstandarder

3GPP standards, or 3GPPstandarder in Norwegian usage, describe the global specifications for mobile networks developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project. The project was formed in 1998 to harmonize and coordinate the evolution of mobile systems—from 2G GSM to 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G New Radio (NR)—to ensure interoperability and worldwide roaming. It brings together regional and national standardization bodies, telecommunications operators and equipment vendors to produce globally applicable mobile communications standards.

Organization and process: 3GPP operates through three Technical Specification Groups: RAN (Radio Access Network), SA (Service and System Aspects), and CT (Core Network and Terminals). Each group develops Technical Specifications (TS) and Technical Reports (TR) that define architecture, interfaces, protocols and performance requirements. Work proceeds in cycles and is packaged into releases, such as Release 8, Release 15, Release 16 and Release 17, with new features introduced and stabilized in successive releases. The release-based approach allows incremental evolution of the standards while maintaining backward compatibility where feasible.

Scope and outputs: The standards cover the radio interface for both LTE and 5G NR, as well as core network architectures, security, quality of service, and related services and technologies (for example IP multimedia subsystem, edge computing and network slicing). The published documents specify requirements, interfaces and procedures used by manufacturers, operators and researchers.

Impact and governance: 3GPP specifications are widely used by mobile operators, equipment vendors and system integrators to ensure interoperability across networks and devices worldwide. Governance relies on Organizational Partners and participating member organizations from regions around the world, with ongoing work to extend and refine the platforms for future generations of mobile technology.