UMTS

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

Radio Access Network →
Introduced in R99 Also in: Radio Access Network, Services

UMTS is the 3G mobile communication standard that succeeded GSM/GPRS, introducing a WCDMA air interface to enable higher data rates for multimedia services like video calling and mobile internet.

Category
Radio Access Network
Introduced
R99
Where
Management
Also touches
2 segments
Specifications
213 specs
UMTS Description Purpose Related Classification Detected Changes Specifications

Description

The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is the third-generation (3G) mobile communication system standardized by 3GPP. Its architecture is divided into the Core Network (CN), the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), and the User Equipment (UE). The UTRAN, the most significant innovation, consists of Node Bs (base stations) and Radio Network Controllers (RNCs). The air interface uses Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) with a 5 MHz channel bandwidth, a fundamental shift from the TDMA/FDMA of GSM. This provides higher spectral efficiency and supports variable data rates up to 2 Mbps in its initial releases. The core network initially evolved from the GSM/GPRS core, comprising circuit-switched (MSC/VLR) and packet-switched (SGSN/GGSN) domains to handle both voice and data traffic. The system operates on new frequency bands, notably around 2 GHz, and introduced new protocols like the Radio Resource Control (RRC) for robust mobility management. A key technical feature is the use of orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF) codes for channelization and scrambling codes for cell and user separation, enabling simultaneous voice and data sessions. The lub interface between Node B and RNC and the Iu interface between RNC and CN were standardized to ensure multi-vendor interoperability. UMTS also mandated quality of service (QoS) management from the start, with four defined traffic classes: conversational, streaming, interactive, and background, to optimize network resources for different application needs.

Purpose & Motivation

UMTS was created to address the limitations of 2G systems like GSM, which were primarily optimized for voice and offered only limited, circuit-switched data capabilities (e.g., HSCSD). The driving force was the burgeoning demand for mobile internet access and multimedia services, such as video telephony, mobile TV, and high-speed web browsing. The goal was to provide a global standard for 3G that offered significantly higher data rates, improved spectral efficiency, and better support for a mix of traffic types with guaranteed quality of service. It aimed to create a seamless evolution path from GSM networks, allowing operators to reuse core network infrastructure while deploying a new, more capable radio access network. The choice of WCDMA as the radio technology was pivotal, as it offered advantages in capacity, handover performance, and coverage in dense urban environments compared to narrowband TDMA. UMTS laid the groundwork for the mobile broadband revolution, enabling the always-on data connectivity that later evolved through HSPA and LTE.

Classification

Part ofUTRAN
Related approachesRNC

Detected Changes Across Releases

from 3GPP Change Requests

Specific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (21 CRs across 5 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.

Rel-15 8 changes

In Release 15, the primary new introduction for the UMTS function was support for a simplified HS-SCCH (High-Speed Shared Control Channel). This update, detailed in the listed Change Requests, provided enhancements to the UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) to streamline control signaling procedures. The release also included an update to add the attribute `peeParametersList` to the UTRAN Network Resource Model (NRM) for improved management.

  • Support on a simplified HS-SCCH for UMTS TS 25.423CR1901
  • Support on a simplified HS-SCCH for UMTS TS 25.433CR2095
  • Add attribute peeParametersList to UTRAN NRM SS TS 28.653CR0018
  • Update E-UTRAN SS definitions to support ng-eNB management TS 28.659CR0025
  • Introduction of increased number of E-UTRAN data bearers TS 36.306CR1613
  • Secondary Rat information Stage 3 in annex B9 (case of EN-DC: E-UTRAN and NR Dual Connectivity) TS 33.108CR0410

+ 2 more changes

Rel-16 3 changes

In Release 16, the enhancements for UMTS functions focused on refining mobility and access control within the E-UTRAN. Specifically, new procedures were introduced for "even further mobility enhancement" and for the propagation of "Roaming and Access Restriction information" in non-homogeneous eNB deployments. These updates built upon the foundational UMTS security and architectural principles, including threat analyses against masquerading and service hijacking, to improve network reliability and user access management.

  • Introduction of even further mobility enhancement in E-UTRAN TS 36.300CR1270
  • Corrections to even further mobility enhancement in E-UTRAN TS 36.300CR1284
  • Propagation of Roaming and Access Restriction information in E-UTRAN in non-homogenous eNB deployments TS 36.300CR1273
Rel-17 3 changes

In Release 17, enhancements were made for UMTS (UTRAN) and GERAN networks, specifically introducing new user location information procedures for these legacy systems. Additionally, the Charging Function (CHF) was updated with CDR enhancements to better support GERAN and UTRAN access. The release also defined signaling for UE Security Capabilities within the E-UTRAN context.

  • Add GERAN/UTRAN user location information TS 32.298CR0874
  • CHF CDR enhancements to support of GERAN and UTRAN TS 32.298CR0875
  • UE Security Capabilities signaling in E-UTRAN [UE_Sec_Caps] TS 36.300CR1359
Rel-18 3 changes

In Release 18, the specific new development for UMTS was the introduction of enhanced protection mechanisms against improper reselection to GERAN and UTRAN networks. This change addressed security threats related to active attacks, such as a malicious base station forcing a UE to camp on it to hijack services. The update focused on securing the mobility procedures between 3GPP radio access technologies.

  • Protection against improper reselection to GERAN/UTRAN [RESELECTION_TO GSM_AND_UTRAN] TS 36.304CR0866
  • Protection against improper reselection to GERAN/UTRAN [RESELECTION_TO GSM_AND_UTRAN] TS 36.306CR1874
  • Introduction of mobile IAB for NR TS 38.304CR0370
Rel-19 4 changes

In Release 19, the UMTS function introduced new mobility and capability procedures for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), specifically enabling redirection from terrestrial E-UTRAN to NB-IoT NTN. It added the UE capability for E-UTRAN to NB-IoT NTN mobility and introduced the indication of a supported NB-IoT NTN band list within the E-UTRAN system. These enhancements focused on integrating satellite-based NB-IoT access into the existing terrestrial mobility framework.

  • Introduction of NB-IoT satellite information in E-UTRAN [EUTRAN-to-NBIoTNTN] TS 36.300CR1427
  • Introduction of E-UTRAN to NB-IoT NTN Mobility UE Capability [EUTRAN-to-NBIoTNTN] TS 36.306CR1917
  • Correction for the redirection from E-UTRAN TN to NB-IoT NTN [IoT_TN_NTN_redir] TS 36.306CR1933
  • Indication of supported NB-IoT NTN band list in E-UTRAN [IoT_TN_NTN_redir] TS 36.306CR1937

Explore further

Broader topics and technologies where UMTS plays a role.

Defining Specifications

3GPP specifications that define or reference UMTS, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.

SpecificationTitleRelease
TS 21.133 v1400 3G Security Requirements Rel-5
TR 21.905 vj00 3GPP Technical Terms and Definitions Rel-19
TS 22.100 v1320 UMTS Service Requirements Phase 1 Rel-4
TS 22.101 vk00 Service Principles for PLMNs Rel-20
TS 22.105 vj00 Telecommunication Services Framework Rel-19
TS 22.226 vj00 Global Text Telephony (GTT) Stage 1 Rel-19
TR 22.907 v1312 UMTS IC Card and Terminal Concepts Rel-4
TR 22.945 v1300 Fax Services Guidance for GSM/UMTS Rel-4
TR 22.975 v1310 UMTS Numbering and Addressing Requirements Rel-4
TS 23.057 vj00 Mobile Execution Environment (MExE) Specification Rel-19
TS 23.107 vj00 UMTS QoS Framework Rel-19
TS 23.110 vj00 Access Stratum Services Specification Rel-19
TS 23.171 v1300 LCS Stage 2 Specification for UMTS Rel-4
TS 23.207 vj00 End-to-End QoS Framework for GPRS Rel-19
TS 23.221 vj00 3GPP System Architectural Requirements Rel-19
TS 23.226 vj00 Global Text Telephony (GTT) Stage 2 Rel-19
TS 23.228 vj50 IMS Stage-2 Service Description Rel-19
TS 23.234 vd10 3GPP-WLAN Interworking Index Rel-13
TS 23.271 vj00 LCS Stage 2 Specification Rel-19
TS 23.804 v1700 SMS/MMS over IP Access Support Rel-7
TR 23.979 vj00 PoC over 3GPP Systems Architectural Requirements Rel-19
TS 24.228 v1500 IP Multimedia Call Control Signaling Flows Rel-5
TS 25.106 vj00 UTRA FDD Repeater RF Performance Requirements Rel-19
TS 25.143 vj00 UTRA FDD Repeater RF Test Requirements Rel-19
TS 25.153 vj00 LCR TDD Repeater RF Requirements & Testing Rel-19
TS 25.201 vj00 UTRA Physical Layer General Description Rel-19
TS 25.221 vj00 UTRA TDD Physical Layer Specification Rel-19
TS 25.222 vj00 UTRA TDD Multiplexing & Channel Coding Rel-19
TS 25.224 vj00 UTRA TDD Physical Layer Procedures Rel-19
TS 25.225 vj00 UTRA TDD Physical Layer Measurements Rel-19
TS 25.301 vj00 UE-UTRAN Radio Interface Protocol Architecture Rel-19
TS 25.302 vj00 UTRA Physical Layer Services Rel-19
TS 25.304 vj00 UTRA Idle Mode Procedures Specification Rel-19
TS 25.305 vj00 UTRAN UE Positioning Stage 2 Rel-19
TS 25.306 vj00 UE Radio Access Capabilities Specification Rel-19
TS 25.321 vj00 MAC Protocol Specification for UTRAN Rel-19
TS 25.322 vj00 RLC Protocol Specification Rel-19
TS 25.323 vj00 Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) Specification Rel-19
TS 25.331 vj00 UTRAN RRC Protocol Specification Rel-19
TS 25.367 vj00 Home NodeB Mobility Procedures Rel-19
TS 25.401 vj00 UTRAN Overall Architecture Rel-19
TS 25.402 vj00 UTRAN Synchronisation Mechanisms Rel-19
TS 25.413 vj00 Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) Rel-19
TS 25.420 vj00 Iur Interface Introduction for UTRAN Rel-19
TS 25.423 vj00 UTRAN RNSAP Specification Rel-19
TS 25.430 vj00 Introduction to Iub Interface Specifications Rel-19
TS 25.433 vj00 Node B Application Part (NBAP) Protocol Rel-19
TS 25.434 vj00 UTRAN Iub Interface Data Transport and Signalling Rel-19
TS 25.450 vj00 Iupc Interface Introduction for UTRAN Positioning Rel-19
TS 25.452 vj00 Iupc Interface Signalling Transport for PCAP Rel-19
TS 25.874 vb00 HSPA Feedback & Signalling Efficiency for LCR TDD Rel-11
TR 25.912 vj00 Evolved UTRA and UTRAN Technical Report Rel-19
TR 25.914 vj00 3G UE Radio Performance Test Methods Rel-19
TR 25.931 vj00 UTRAN Signalling Procedures Examples Rel-19
TR 25.943 vj00 Channel Models for Deployment Evaluation Rel-19
TS 26.103 vj00 3GPP Codec Lists for OoBTC and TrFO Rel-19
TS 26.131 vj00 Terminal Acoustic Performance Requirements Rel-19
TS 26.132 vj00 Terminal Acoustic Test Methods Rel-19
TS 26.226 vj00 Cellular Text Telephone Modem (CTM) Rel-19
TS 26.267 vj00 eCall In-band Modem Specification Rel-19
TS 26.269 vj00 eCall In-band Modem Conformance Testing Rel-19
TS 26.804 vj10 5G Media Streaming Extensions Study Rel-19
TR 26.862 vh00 Immersive Teleconferencing & Telepresence for Remote Terminals Rel-17
TR 26.952 vj00 EVS Codec Selection, Verification & Characterization Rel-19
TR 26.962 vj00 ITT4RT Operation and Usage Guidelines Rel-19
TR 26.976 vj00 AMR-WB Codec Characterization & Verification Rel-19
TS 28.606 vc10 CN and non-3GPP interworking NRM IRP Solution Sets Rel-12
TS 28.616 vj00 EPC and non-3GPP access NRM IRP SS definitions Rel-19
TS 28.621 vj00 Generic Network Resource Model (NRM) IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 28.626 vj00 State Management Data Definition IRP Solution Set Rel-19
TS 28.632 vj00 Inventory Management NRM Integration Reference Point Rel-19
TS 28.651 vj00 UTRAN Network Resource Model Requirements Rel-19
TS 28.653 vj00 UTRAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definition Rel-19
TS 28.654 vj00 GERAN NRM IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 28.656 vj00 GERAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TS 28.659 vj00 E-UTRAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TS 28.663 vj00 Generic RAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TS 28.702 vj00 Core Network NRM IRP Information Service Rel-19
TS 28.703 vj00 Core Network NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TS 28.705 vj00 IMS NRM IRP Information Service Rel-19
TS 28.706 vj00 IMS NRM IRP Solution Set definitions Rel-19
TS 28.733 vj00 TN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TS 28.734 vj00 STN Interface NRM IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 28.736 vj00 STN Interface NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TR 31.900 vj00 3GPP TS 31.900: Security Interworking Guidance Rel-19
TS 32.240 vj40 Charging Management Architecture & Principles Rel-19
TS 32.250 vj00 Circuit Switched Offline Charging Rel-19
TS 32.251 vj00 PS Domain Charging Management Rel-19
TS 32.252 vc00 3GPP WLAN Interworking Charging Rel-12
TS 32.270 vj00 MMS Charging Management Specification Rel-19
TS 32.271 vj20 3GPP LCS Charging Management Spec Rel-19
TS 32.272 vj00 Charging for Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Rel-19
TS 32.276 vj00 VCS Online Charging from Proxy Function Rel-19
TS 32.277 vj20 Charging Management for Proximity Services (ProSe) Rel-19
TS 32.278 vj00 Monitoring Events Offline Charging Specification Rel-19
TS 32.293 vj00 Proxy Function in Domestic Service Provider Rel-19
TS 32.298 vj30 Charging Data Record (CDR) Parameter Specification Rel-19
TS 32.301 vj00 Notification IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.371 vj00 Security Management Concept & Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.372 vj00 Security Service for IRP Information Service Rel-19
TS 32.401 vj00 Performance Management Concept & Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.404 vj00 Performance Management Definitions & Template Rel-19
TS 32.405 vj00 UTRAN Performance Measurements Specification Rel-19
TS 32.406 vj00 Performance Management for CN PS Domain Rel-19
TS 32.407 vj00 PM; CN CS Domain; UMTS/GSM measurements Rel-19
TS 32.409 vj00 IMS Performance Management Measurements Rel-19
TS 32.410 vj00 3GPP TS 32.410: Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Rel-19
TS 32.426 vj00 EPC Performance Measurements Specification Rel-19
TS 32.450 vj00 E-UTRAN Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Definitions Rel-19
TS 32.451 vj00 KPI Requirements for E-UTRAN Rel-19
TS 32.452 vj00 PM Measurements for Home Node B Subsystem Rel-19
TS 32.453 vj00 PM for Home eNodeB Subsystem (HeNS) Rel-19
TS 32.582 vj00 HNB Management Information Model for Type 1 Interface Rel-19
TS 32.584 vj00 HNB OAM&P XML Definitions for Type 1 Interface Rel-19
TS 32.592 vj00 HeNB OAM&P Information Model Rel-19
TS 32.594 vj00 Data definitions for HeNB to HeMS Type 1 interface Rel-19
TS 32.600 vj00 3GPP Configuration Management Specification Rel-19
TS 32.601 vj00 Basic Configuration Management IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.602 vj00 Basic Configuration Management IRP Information Service Rel-19
TS 32.611 vj00 Bulk CM IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.615 v1920 Bulk CM XML File Format Definition Rel-9
TS 32.616 vj00 Bulk CM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-19
TS 32.621 vb00 Generic Network Resources IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.622 vb10 Generic Network Resources IRP NRM Rel-11
TS 32.625 v1900 Bulk CM XML File Format Definition Rel-9
TS 32.626 vb20 Generic Network Resources IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-11
TS 32.632 vb00 Core Network Resources IRP: Network Resource Model Rel-11
TS 32.635 v1910 Core Network Resources IRP XML Schema Rel-9
TS 32.636 vb00 CM Core Network Resources IRP Solution Set Rel-11
TS 32.641 vb00 UTRAN Network Resources IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.642 vb50 UTRAN Network Resource Model for Configuration Management Rel-11
TS 32.645 v930 UTRAN Bulk CM XML File Format Rel-9
TS 32.646 vc00 UTRAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-12
TS 32.651 vb00 GERAN Network Resources CM IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.655 v920 GERAN NRM Bulk CM XML File Format Rel-9
TS 32.656 vc00 GERAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-12
TS 32.661 vj00 Kernel Configuration Management IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.662 vj00 Configuration Management (CM); Kernel CM IRP Rel-19
TS 32.675 v1900 State Management IRP Bulk CM XML Format Rel-9
TS 32.676 vc00 3GPP TS 32.676: State Management IRP Solution Set Rel-12
TS 32.690 vj00 Inventory Management IRP Requirements Rel-19
TS 32.691 vb00 Inventory Management IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.692 vb00 Inventory Management NRM IRP Specification Rel-11
TS 32.711 vb00 TN Interface NRM IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.712 vb10 Transport Network Interface NRM for CM Rel-11
TS 32.715 v900 TN interface NRM IRP XML file format definition Rel-9
TS 32.716 vb00 TN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-11
TS 32.721 vb00 Repeater Network Resources IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.722 vb00 Repeater NRM IRP: Network Resource Model Rel-11
TS 32.725 v1900 Repeater Network Resources IRP Bulk CM XML Rel-9
TS 32.726 vb00 Repeater NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-11
TS 32.732 vb00 IMS Network Resource Model IRP: Information Service Rel-11
TS 32.735 v1910 IMS NRM IRP Bulk CM XML Format Rel-9
TS 32.736 vb00 IMS NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-11
TS 32.741 vb00 STN Interface NRM IRP Requirements Rel-11
TS 32.745 v900 STN NRM IRP XML File Format Definition Rel-9
TS 32.746 vb00 STN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-11
TS 32.765 v960 E-UTRAN NRM IRP XML Definitions Rel-9
TS 32.766 vb90 E-UTRAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-11
TS 32.796 vc00 Generic RAN NRM IRP Solution Set Definitions Rel-12
TS 32.808 v1800 Common User Profile Storage Framework Rel-8
TS 32.816 v800 UMTS Management Reuse for E-UTRAN/EPC Rel-8
TS 32.821 v1900 SON OAM Architecture for Home NodeB Rel-9
TS 32.826 va00 Study on Energy Savings Management in LTE/SAE Networks Rel-10
TS 32.849 vd00 IMS Roaming Charging Study Rel-13
TS 32.850 ve00 IMS Charging Correlation Methods Study Rel-14
TS 33.107 vj00 Lawful Interception Architecture & Functions Rel-19
TS 33.108 vj00 LI Handover Interface Specification Rel-19
TS 33.320 vj00 H(e)NB Subsystem Security Architecture Rel-19
TS 33.401 vj10 EPS Security Architecture Rel-19
TS 33.835 vg10 Study on authentication and key management for apps Rel-16
TS 33.856 vg10 Security for 5G to 3G Voice Continuity Rel-16
TS 33.859 vb10 UTRAN Key Hierarchy Enhancement Study Rel-11
TS 33.863 ve20 Security for Battery-Efficient IoT Device to Enterprise Rel-14
TS 34.114 vc20 Radiated Performance Test Procedure for UE/MS Rel-12
TS 34.124 vj00 EMC Requirements for 3G UTRA Terminals Rel-19
TS 35.205 vj00 MILENAGE Algorithm Set: General Overview Rel-19
TR 35.909 vj00 3GPP MILENAGE Algorithm Design Report Rel-19
TS 36.101 vj30 LTE UE Radio Transmission & Reception Requirements Rel-19
TS 36.102 vj10 E-UTRA UE Satellite Access RF Requirements Rel-19
TS 36.116 vj00 E-UTRA Relay RF Requirements Rel-19
TS 36.117 vj00 E-UTRA Relay RF Test Methods & Requirements Rel-19
TS 36.124 vj00 EMC for E-UTRA User Equipment Rel-19
TS 36.133 vj20 E-UTRA RRM Requirements Rel-19
TS 36.141 vj00 E-UTRA BS Conformance Testing Rel-19
TS 36.300 vj00 E-UTRAN Radio Interface Protocol Architecture Overview Rel-19
TS 36.302 vj00 E-UTRA Physical Layer Services Rel-19
TS 36.304 vj00 UE Idle Mode Procedures in E-UTRA Rel-19
TS 36.306 vj00 E-UTRA UE Radio Access Capability Parameters Rel-19
TS 36.401 vj00 E-UTRAN Overall Architecture Description Rel-19
TS 36.521 vj00 E-UTRA UE Conformance ICS Proforma Rel-19
TS 36.744 ve00 CBRS 3.5GHz Band Specification for US Rel-14
TS 36.755 vf00 US 600 MHz LTE Band 71 Technical Report Rel-15
TS 36.855 vd00 E-UTRA Positioning Enhancements Study Rel-13
TR 36.927 vj00 Network Energy Saving for E-UTRAN Rel-19
TS 36.938 v900 E-UTRAN to 3GPP2/Mobile WiMAX Mobility Rel-9
TS 37.320 vj00 Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) Overview Rel-19
TS 37.460 vj00 Iuant Interface Introduction Rel-19
TS 37.461 vj00 Iuant Interface Layer 1 Specification Rel-19
TS 37.544 vg70 UE Radiated Performance Test Procedures Rel-16
TR 37.901 vf10 UE Application Layer Data Throughput Performance Rel-15
TS 38.304 vj00 UE RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE Procedures Rel-19
TS 38.873 vg00 NR Band n48 Technical Report Rel-16
TR 38.892 vi00 Technical Report Rel-18
TS 43.051 vj00 GERAN Stage 2 Service Description Rel-19
TS 43.129 vj00 PS Handover in GERAN A/Gb and GAN Modes Rel-19
TS 43.130 vj00 Iur-g Interface Overview Rel-19
TS 43.318 vj00 Generic Access Network (GAN) Stage 2 Rel-19
TR 43.902 vj00 GAN Enhancements Feasibility Study Rel-19
TS 44.060 vj00 GERAN RLC/MAC Protocol Specification Rel-19
TS 44.160 vg00 GERAN Iu Mode RLC/MAC Protocol Specification Rel-16
TS 44.318 vj00 Generic Access Network (GAN) Interface Procedures Rel-19
TR 45.913 vj00 Optimized Transmit Pulse Shape for EGPRS2-B Rel-19