Summary Report from 3GPP plenaries #106 (Madrid, Spain, 9 - 13 December 2024)

Rel-18

• The last remaining (performance) work of NR positioning was finished (no more Rel-18 WIs or SIs open).

Rel-19

• RAN approved some new Rel-19 work, in particular Ambient IoT, low band carrier aggregation with switching, irregular channel bandwidth for 7MHz and LTE-based 5G Broadcast.
• SA completed Stage 2 with nine exceptions and approved new WIs and SIs for all groups except SA1 (SA1 focus is Rel-20)

Rel-20 (5G)

• The RAN Rel-20 5G Advanced Workshop led to a first classification of proposals. Companies can give feedback in March.
• The SA Rel-20 5G Advanced Workshop led to a consolidated list of topics that will be discussed further.

Rel-20 (6G)

• RAN approved first 6G (IMT-2030-related) Study Item (officially a Rel-19 SI, but it is "6G").

Rel-18 Planning and progress (RAN4 perf. work remaining for NR positioning)

Stage 1: frozen December 2021 without exceptions

RAN1/2/3 work package: approved December 2021

RAN4 work package: approved March 2022

Stage 2: frozen June 2023 without exceptions

SA3: frozen September 2023

RAN1: frozen September 2023

RAN2/3/4 core functionality: frozen December 2023 with exceptions (no more exceptions by June 2024)

Stage 3: frozen March 2024 with exceptions (no more exceptions by June 2024)

ASN.1 and open APIs: frozen June 2024

RAN4: frozen June 2024 (remaining in September 2024: RAN4 perf. work for NR positioning)

Closed Rel-18 Work Items and Study Items (excluding spectrum-related and conformance testing)

Rel-18 NR

• Perf.: Enhancement and improved NR positioning

Rel-18 RAN Work Item Summaries (descriptions of features in the release after the work has actually finished). Overall draft TR with Rel-18 description (under construction, incomplete)

• <None>

RAN

• <None>

SA

• SP-241683 Access Traffic Steering, Switch and Splitting support in the 5G system architecture; Phase 3 (ATSSS_Ph3)

Rel-19 Planning (Stage 2 frozen at this meeting with exceptions)

RAN Workshop: took place in June 2023

SA Workshop: took place in June 2023

Stage 1: frozen December 2023 with exceptions (no more exceptions by June 2024)

SA Stage 2 work package: approved December 2023

RAN1/2/3 work package: approved December 2023

RAN4 work package: approved March 2024

Stage 2: ( frozen December 2024 with 4 SA2 and 5 SA6 exceptions (AIML_CN, XRM (arc, app), NG_RTC, 5GSAT (arc, app), MMTEL, CAPIF, Metaverse)

RAN1: freezing target June 2025

RAN2/3/4 core functionality: freezing target September 2025

Stage 3: freezing target September 2025

ASN.1 and open APIs: freezing target December 2025

RAN4: freezing target December 2025
 

Closed Rel-19 Work Items and Study Items (excluding spectrum-related and conformance testing)

Rel-19 NR

• SI: Study on solutions for Ambient IoT (Internet of Things) in NR

Rel-19 RAN Work Item Summaries (descriptions of features in the release after the work has actually finished

RAN

<None>

SA

• SP-241623 UPF enhancement for Exposure And SBA Phase 2  (UPEAS_Ph2)

Approved Rel-19 Stage 2 Exceptions

SA2

• SP-241513 Core Network Enhanced Support for Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) (AIML_CN)
• SP-241514 Extended Reality and Media service (XRM) Phase 2 (XRM_Ph2)
• SP-241916 Next Generation Real time Communication services Phase 2 (NG_RTC_Ph2)
• SP-241918 Integration of satellite components in the 5G architecture Phase 3 (5GSAT_Ph3-ARC)

SA6

• SP-241685 Application enablement for satellite access Phase 3 (5GSAT_Ph3_App)
• SP-241686 Application enablement for XRM Services Phase 2 (XRM_Ph2_App)
• SP-241687 Application enablement aspects for MMTel (MMTEL_App)
• SP-241688 Common API Framework (CAPIF) Phase 3 (CAPIF_Ph3)
• SP-241689 Application enablement for mobile metaverse services (Metaverse_App)

Rel-19 NR: Ambient IoT (Endorsed WF: RP-243280; Approved new WI: RP-243326)

A majority of companies argued in favour of starting a Rel-19 WI on Ambient IoT. The Way Forward addresses both Rel-19 and Rel-20. For the scope, see details below.

Rel-19 NR: Study on AI/ML for NR air interface (Approved new SI: RP-243245)

The existing WI was split into a WI part and a new SI. For the SI scope, see details below.

Rel-19 NR: New RAN4 WI on low band CA via switching (Approved new WI: RP-243317)

This proposal had the widest support of the new Rel-19 proposals. For the scope, see details below.

Rel-19 NR: New RAN4 WI on irregular channel bandwidth (Endorsed WF: RP-243322; Approved new WI: RP-243323)

A new Rel-19 WI includes only 7 MHz channel bandwidth for n5 and n26. The 7 MHz channel bandwidths can be applied to other bands as needed via a spectrum related Work Item. Additional irregular channel bandwidth work, including 6 MHz channel bandwidth, will be deferred to Rel-20. Other than 6 and 7 MHz, it is agreed that no other new irregular channel bandwidths will be created for FR1 in the future. For other "irregular” channel bandwidths, operators will use the overlapping carrier or next wider channel bandwidth approaches.

Rel-19 NR: MIMO 3T3R (Endorsed WF: RP-243265)

For '3T3R' antenna switching, SRS configuration i.e., SRS resource/set definition for '3T3R' antenna switching can be discussed and supported as part of Rel-19 MIMO in RAN1, where '3T3R' is only applicable for the UE equipped with 4Rx, 6Rx, or 8Rx antenna ports. There will be no RAN4 impact.

Rel-19 NR: AI/ML for Air Interface (Endorsed WF: RP-243307)

General: RAN will make a final decision on way forward taking into account SA inputs when available. RAN will have a checkpoint in Q2, 2025.

For SA: From RAN perspective, transfer of data over UP for Solution 2 in SA2 should be studied and provide feedback on fulfilment of visibility and controllability requirements.  Transfer of data over UP for Solution 3 can be studied by SA5. RAN has already concluded that transfer of data over CP for Solution 2 and 3 can meet the visibility and controllability RAN requirements, even though some scalability concerns have been raised for high amount of data transfer. RAN is not expecting SA2 and SA5 to study the transfer of data over CP for now.

For RAN2: During Rel-19 RAN2 continues studies on AI/ML UE sided data collection (excluding 1b)

• Study RAN aspects related to data transfer over UP
• Discuss level of NG-RAN involvement in the control and configuration of UE side data collection.
• Discuss NG-RAN involvement in the data transfer of UE side data collection (if any) (including visibility discussion).
• Discuss aspects/solutions from RAN perspective that enable the data transfer to CN domain or OAM domain. 
• Discuss on the scalability aspects of CP
• RAN2 can Liaise with other WGs if/when needed.

Rel-19 NR: LP-WUS separate band issues (Endorsed WF: RP-243266)

For idle/inactive mode, consider a standardized solution for intra-frequency case (e.g. solution 1, 2, and 3 in RP-242656). For Rel-19, inter-frequency solutions (e.g. solution 4) will not be considered. Detailed discussion and final solution selection up to WGs.

Rel-19 NR: Network Energy Savings (Endorsed WF: RP-243297)

RAN confirms that Case 2 also includes the case where a particular Cell A can switch to become a NES Cell. This means that Cell A can provide UL-WUS configuration for itself before becoming a NES cell. No further optimizations will be considered for NES UEs for this scenario. No further optimizations to handle non-NES capable UEs will be considered for this scenario. It is assumed that these UEs can be handled by careful deployment.

On RRC Connected mode: The scope of WID will not be updated to include RRC Connected. However, RAN2 will address the specific case of RLF, to use the same procedure as idle/inactive to request OD-SIB1 transmission.

Rel-19 NR: Base station RF requirement evolution for FR1/FR2 (Endorsed WF: RP-243288)

The new objective of co-existence transmitter spurious emission limits will be added according to the request from ETSI/TFES. Work starts after March 2025 after EERIP work is finished. Above 5.9 GHz will be prioritized. RAN4 is asked to work on framework simplification for co-location/co-existence requirements in Q1 and Q2 2025 to come up with a concrete solution.

Rel-19 NR: NTN Ku band numerology (Endorsed WF: RP-243301)

Downscoping agreements include removal of VSAT types 1, 2 and 3 and removal of conducted requirements (only do radiated).

Upscoping agreements: Dual numerology, specification of NGSO and GSO connectivity based on existing type 5 RF requirements and RRM timing requirements for the considered numerologies (for mobile VSAT served by NGSO and GSO in Ku bands only).

Rel-19 LTE: 5G Broadcast (Approved new WIs: RP-243290, RP-243268)

The main new topics of these new WIs are time and frequency interleaving and additional bands for early deployment.

Approved Rel-19 Work Items and Study Items RAN (excluding spectrum-related; excluding conformance testing)

NR WIs/SIs led by RAN1

• RP-243326 WI: Solutions for Ambient IoT (Internet of Things) in NR
  • Keywords: PRDCH and PDRCH, R2D, D2R, lightweight signalling to enable DO-DTT and DT data transmission, architecture, signalling between A-IoT RAN and CN, RF requirements for Ambient-IoT BS, device 1, and CW, RRM core requirements for device 1, if necessary, OTA test for A-IoT device 1.
• RP-243245 SI: Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for NR air interface Phase 2
  • Keywords: Study CSI feedback enhancement; Necessity and details of model Identification concept and procedure in the context of LCM for two-sided models; CN/OAM/OTT collection of UE-sided model training data; Model transfer/ delivery; Testability and interoperability.

NR WIs/SIs led by RAN2

• <None>

NR WIs/SIs led by RAN3

• <None>

NR WIs/SIs led by RAN4

• RP-243317 WI: Low band carrier aggregation via switching
  • Keywords: Introduce physical layer procedures and requirements to enable low band carrier aggregation via switching.
• RP-243323 WI: 7 MHz Channel Bandwidth for n26 and n5
  • Keywords: Core and performance requirements to support 7 MHz NR FR1 channel bandwidth in n5, n26 bands.

LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN1

• RP-243290 WI: LTE-based 5G Broadcast Phase 2 (EBU)
  • Keywords: For MBMS-dedicated cells, specify time-frequency interleavers and corresponding signalling.

LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN2

• <None>

LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN3

• <None>

LTE WIs/SIs led by RAN4

• <None>

Approved Rel-19 Work Items and Study Items SA

SA1

• <None>

SA2

• SP-241979 WI: Architecture support of Ambient power-enabled Internet of Things (endorsed for one meeting cycle only)
• SP-241498 WI: MSISDN verification operation support to Nnef_UEId Service
• SP-241500 WI: ATSSS Rule Provisioning via 3GPP access connected to EPC
• SP-241502 WI: Network Controlled Network Slice Selection
• SP-241504 WI: PRU Usage Extension supported by Core Network

SA3

• SP-241955 SI: 3GPP Cryptographic Inventory
• SP-241956 WI: Security Aspects of Proximity Based Services in 5GS Phase 3
• SP-241773 WI: Security of Uncrewed Aerial System Phase 3
• SP-241775 WI: Security aspects of 5G Mobile Metaverse services
• SP-241776 WI: Security aspects of CAPIF Phase3
• SP-241958 WI: Security aspects of 5G NR Femto
• SP-241778 WI: Security support for the Next Generation Real Time Communication services Phase 2
• SP-241959 WI: Security Aspects of Enhancement of Support for Edge Computing in 5GC - phase 3
• SP-241780 WI: Security Aspects of 5G Satellite Access Phase 3
• SP-241960 WI: Automatic Certificate Management Environment (ACME) for the Service Based Architecture (SBA)
• SP-241782 WI: Security for PLMN hosting a NPN
• SP-241957 WI: Security aspects of Core Network Enhanced Support for AIML Multi-Access

SA4

• SP-241961 WI: 5G Real-time Transport Protocol Configurations, Phase 2
• SP-241962 WI: Diverse audio CApturing system for Smartphone devices
• SP-241963 WI: Architectural Updates for Advanced Media Delivery

SA5

• SP-241938 WI: Management aspects of Network Digital Twin
• SP-241939 WI: Service Based Management Architecture enhancement phase 3
• SP-241940 WI: Energy efficiency and energy saving aspects of 5G networks and services
• SP-241941 WI: Management aspects of RedCap features
• SP-241942 WI: Enhanced OAM for management exposure to external consumers
• SP-241943 WI: Closed Control Loop Management
• SP-241944 WI: AI/ML management phase 2
• SP-241945 WI: Management for MonStra
• SP-241946 WI: Intent driven management services for mobile network phase 3
• SP-241947 WI: Management Data Analytics (MDA) - Phase 3
• SP-241948 WI: Management of IAB nodes
• SP-241949 WI: Management Aspects of NTN Phase 2
• SP-241950 WI: Management of Network Sharing Phase 3

SA6

• SP-241695 WI: Application Data Analytics Enablement Service

Rel-20 (5G)

Rel-20 (5G) Planning (RAN and SA held separate 5G Advanced Rel-20 Workshops)

Stage 1 approval of SIDs: June 2024

RAN Workshop: took place in December 2024

SA Workshop: took place in December 2024

Stage 1 freezing target: March 2025 (80%); June 2025 (100%)

Stage 2 approval of SIDs: June 2025

RAN1/2/3 work package: planned for June 2025

RAN4 work package: planned for September 2025

Stage 3 (CT) approval of SIDs: planned for March 2026 or earlier;

Stage 2: freezing target June 2026 (80%); September 2026 (100%)

RAN1: freezing target December 2026

RAN2/3/4 core functionality: freezing target March 2027

Stage 3: freezing target March 2027

ASN.1 and open APIs: freezing target June 2027

RAN4 Perf: freezing target June 2027

Rel-20 (5G): RAN 5GAdvanced Workshop (Endorsed RAN Chair summary: RP-243292)

There were more than 200 inputs to the Workshop. Handling at next meetings will be similar as for Rel-19 in 2023: company views on topics below are requested for next plenary.

Rel-20 (5G): SA 5GAdvanced Workshop (Endorsed content definition process: SP-241989; Noted topic list: SP-241972)

Approval of WIs/SIs is expected at the March and June 2025 plenaries. Moderated email discussions may take place in Q1 and Q2 2025. The process mainly impacts SA2 working methods, but there are some other WGs impacted, who should also give good notice to SA plenary on any issues with work. Work which has no dependency on SA2 or RAN decisions, etc. can be progressed from Q1/2025. Core topics below have attracted significant interest, while the miscellaneous topics have been presented in a limited number of instances.

Approved 5G Rel-20 Work Items and Study Items RAN (excluding spectrum-related; excluding conformance testing)

• <None>

Approved 5G Rel-20 Work Items and Study Items SA

SA1

• SP-241821 WI: Vehicle-Mounted Relays Phase 3
• SP-241822 WI: Satellite access - Phase 4
• SP-241823 WI: MPS when access to EPC/5GC is Satellite

Other SA WGs

• <None>

Rel-20 (6G) Planning (first RAN 6G Study Item approved)

Stage 1 approval of SIDs: September 2024 (TSG 105)

NOTE: SA plenary approved the first 6G Study Item (SA1) in SP-241391

RAN IMT-2030 discussion is expected in RAN from 09/24 to 12/24

RAN plenary SI Rel-20 focusing on ITU-IMT-2030: 12/24 until 06/25

NOTE: RAN plenary approved the first RAN 6G Study Item focusing on ITU-IMT-2030 in RP-243327

TSG-wide 6G Workshop: March 2025 (TSG#107)

RAN plenary SI Rel-20 focusing on 6G General: approval 03/25 (after WS), until 06/26

SA2 and RAN WG SIDs approval: June 2025 (TSG 108)

RAN1 starts in 3Q/25 until 1Q/27; RAN2/3/4 start in 4Q/25 until 2Q/27

Stage 1 (study): freezing target: March 2026

CT WG SIDs approval: March 2026

SA2 (study) freeze: December 2026 or Mar 2027

SA1/SA2 6G SI may continue beyond Stage-1/Stage-2 freeze dates for 5G-Advanced

Other SA WG (SA3, SA4, SA5, SA6) SIDs approval: tbd at future TSG meeting

Rel-20 (6G): 3GPP O-RAN 6G Workshop (Endorsed Workshop: RP-242436; LSout: RP-243296)

In response to a request from O-RAN, a 3GPP O-RAN 6G Workshop will be held 24-25 April 2025 at ETSI HQ in Sophia Antipolis. A maximum of 3 people per company (group) is allowed (total capacity is about 150 people).

Rel-20 (6G): 3GPP 6G Workshop (Endorsed Agenda and guidelines: RP-242437)

The update provides a rough agenda, guidelines, links and deadlines. The deadlines for registration, Tdoc request and submission are all the same and very early! (Monday 17 February). Companies are requested to restrict attendance to (roughly) the sum of the normal RAN+SA+CT delegations, plus three.

Rel-20 (6G): 6G Study (Endorsed guidance, WF: RP-243276, RP-243279; Approved 6G SI: RP-243327; LSout RP-243325)

A first version of the 6G plenary level Study Item was approved. Officially it is a Rel-19 Study Item because Rel-19 has not yet been closed for Study Items. The current scope is only related to coordination with ongoing work in ITU-R (Technical Performance Requirements, TPR), but the scope is expected to be extended after the 6G Workshop.

In its response to ITU-R, 3GPP has initially listed the following TPRs:

• Peak data rate
• Peak spectral efficiency
• User experienced data rate
• 5th percentile user spectral efficiency
• Average spectral efficiency
• Sustainability/Energy efficiency
• Area traffic capacity 
• User plane latency
• Control plane latency
• Connection density
• Reliability
• Mobility
• Mobility interruption time
• Bandwidth

Approved 6G Rel-20 Study Items RAN (there will be no 6G Work Items in Rel-20)

RAN plenary

• RP-243327 SI: Study on 6G Scenarios and Requirements [First "6G" SI in RAN; officially still a Rel-19 SI]

Keywords: Investigate a candidate set of items for minimum TPRs based on the Recommendation ITU-R M.2160, and, where applicable, the associated target values and key assumptions for the identified minimum TPRs.

Approved 6G Rel-20 Study Items SA (there will be no 6G Work Items in Rel-20)

• <None>