Information and Communication Technologies

Description

Within 3GPP, the term Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is used in its broadest sense to describe the entire convergent technological domain that 3GPP standards serve. It is not a specific protocol or network node, but the overarching field. This includes the radio access networks (GERAN, UTRAN, E-UTRAN, NG-RAN), the core network evolution (GPRS, IMS, EPC, 5GC), and the vast array of services they enable, from mobile broadband and IoT to mission-critical communications and media delivery.

3GPP's work is fundamentally about creating the standardized technological foundations that allow different components of the ICT ecosystem to interoperate. This involves specifying the interfaces between the user device (UE) and the network (Uu, N1), between different network functions (N2, N4, N5, etc.), and between entire network systems (inter-operator interfaces). These standards ensure that a mobile phone from one manufacturer can work on a network built by another, anywhere in the world, and can access services provided by a third party.

The scope of ICT in 3GPP has dramatically expanded over time. Initially focused on cellular voice and data, it now encompasses fixed wireless access, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, industrial automation, augmented reality, and network automation. 3GPP specifications address all layers necessary for this, from the physical layer (modulation, coding) to the protocol layer (IP, HTTP, SIP) to the service layer (MMTel, LCS). Therefore, when 3GPP documents refer to ICT, they are often contextualizing their work within this wider landscape of integrated computing and telecommunications, emphasizing how their standards enable the digital transformation of industries and society.

Purpose & Motivation

The use of the term ICT within 3GPP reflects the convergence of historically separate industries: telecommunications (focused on voice calls and connectivity) and information technology (focused on data processing and software). Prior to this convergence, telecommunication networks were largely closed, circuit-switched systems. The advent of digital technology, the Internet Protocol (IP), and powerful end-user devices created the need for standards that bridge these worlds.

3GPP's mission is to provide the technical specifications that turn a collection of disparate ICT components into a coherent, global system. The problems it solves are those of interoperability, scale, and innovation. Without such standards, the mobile ecosystem would be fragmented, equipment costs would be higher due to lack of economy of scale, and new services would be difficult to deploy universally. By standardizing the interfaces and functionalities, 3GPP allows for competitive multi-vendor markets, rapid technology adoption, and the creation of a stable platform upon which countless applications and services (the 'information' part of ICT) can be built.

Furthermore, as the line between a communication network and a cloud computing platform blurs (evident in 5G's core network design and edge computing), the 3GPP's role as an ICT standards body becomes even more pronounced. Its work now directly influences how computing resources are orchestrated and delivered in conjunction with connectivity, which is the essence of modern ICT.

Key Features

• Encompasses the convergence of telecommunications networks and information technology systems
• Provides the framework for global interoperability of cellular devices and infrastructure
• Drives the standardization of interfaces from the physical radio layer to service application layers
• Enables the creation of a multi-vendor, competitive ecosystem for network equipment and devices
• Forms the foundation for a vast array of services including mobile broadband, IoT, V2X, and critical communications
• Evolves to integrate new technological paradigms like network virtualization, edge computing, and AI

Evolution Across Releases

Defining Specifications