3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between groups of telecommunications standards associations, known as the Organizational Partners. These partners are responsible for developing globally accepted standards for mobile telecommunications. The work of 3GPP encompasses radio, core network, and service capabilities, which provide a complete system description for mobile telecommunications.

Establishment and Objectives

3GPP was established in December 1998 by the signing of the “The 3rd Generation Partnership Project Agreement.” The establishment of this project was driven by the need to create globally acceptable technical specifications for a third generation (3G) mobile system based on evolved Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) core networks and the radio access technologies that they support (i.e., Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) and GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN)).

Organizational Partners

The Organizational Partners in 3GPP include:

These organizations provide the environments in which the 3GPP specifications can be implemented within their own regional markets.

Technical Specifications and Releases

3GPP’s work is organized into releases, each representing a stable platform for the implementation of features at a given point in time. These releases include specifications for:

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a packet-oriented mobile data standard on 2G and 3G cellular communication network's global system for mobile communications (GSM). This development, maintained by 3GPP, allows for a continuous connection to the internet for mobile phone and computer users.

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)

The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third-generation mobile cellular system for networks based on the GSM standard. Developed and maintained by 3GPP, UMTS uses wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) radio access technology.

Long Term Evolution (LTE)

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals. It increases the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements. LTE-Advanced meets the requirements of ITU-R for the 4G standard.

5G New Radio (5G NR)

The 5G New Radio (5G NR) is a new radio access technology developed by the 3GPP for the 5G mobile network. It is designed to be the global standard for the air interface of 5G networks, succeeding the 4G, LTE.

Impact on Mobile Telecommunications

The specifications and standards developed by 3GPP have had a profound impact on global mobile telecommunications. The evolution from 2G to 5G has enabled higher data speeds, improved connectivity, and advanced service capabilities. This has transformed not only personal communication but also various industries through the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and more.