Understanding 3GPP Documents: A Guide to Telecommunication Standards

by Author · Published May 18, 2025 · Updated May 18, 2025

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a standardization body responsible for developing global telecommunications protocols and procedures standards for different generations technologies like 2G (GSM), 3G (UMTS), 4G (LTE), and 5G (NR). These technologies shape how billions of people connect and communicate daily.

At the heart of 3GPP’s work are its documents, which are meticulously crafted to define the technical frameworks and operational standards for mobile communication networks. In this blog, we explore the different types of 3GPP documents, their purposes, and their role in advancing global mobile technology.

different types of 3GPP documents, their purposes, and their role in advancing global mobile technology.

Table of Contents

Technical Specifications (TS)

Technical Specifications (TS) are the backbone of 3GPP’s documentation. These documents lay out the technical requirements and standards for mobile communication systems. They are divided into different series, each addressing a specific aspect of mobile networks:

Radio Access Network (RAN): Defines the air interface and radio technologies for mobile networks, such as LTE and 5G NR.
Core Network (CN): Focuses on the switching and routing of data and calls.
Service and System Aspects (SA): Covers overarching service capabilities, network architecture, and security.

For example, TS 38.211 is a specification that defines the physical channels and modulation for 5G NR (New Radio).

Technical Reports (TR)

While Technical Specifications define how technologies operate, Technical Reports (TR) are more exploratory. They serve as documentation for studies, feasibility analyses, and emerging concepts in mobile technologies. TRs often lead to the creation of new Technical Specifications once the studies are complete.

One well-known example is TR 38.913, which explores scenarios and requirements for next-generation access technologies, laying the groundwork for many of 5G’s innovations.

Working Group Documents (WG Docs)

3GPP is structured into various Working Groups (WGs), each focusing on a different technical area. WG Documents are used internally during the development of TS and TR. These documents include:

Contributions: Proposals and technical input from member companies and experts.
Draft Specifications: Preliminary versions of specifications that are discussed and refined.
Meeting Notes: Documentation of discussions, agreements, and next steps.

Although WG Docs are not official standards, they are crucial for the collaborative development process.

Change Requests (CRs)

Change Requests are used to propose modifications to existing TS or TR documents. These could include updates, corrections, or enhancements to align with new technologies or findings. Each CR goes through a rigorous review process, ensuring backward compatibility and integration with existing standards before it is approved.

Study Items (SI) and Work Items (WI)

The development of new standards often begins with Study Items (SI). These are exploratory projects aimed at assessing the feasibility of new technologies or network features. Once an SI shows promise, it evolves into a Work Item (WI), which formalizes the work required to create or update Technical Specifications.

Meeting Reports and Liaison Statements

3GPP frequently holds technical and plenary meetings, where experts collaborate and make decisions. Meeting Reports capture these discussions, while Liaison Statements serve as communication between 3GPP groups and external organizations to maintain alignment on global standards.

Conclusion

The structured documentation of 3GPP, ranging from Technical Specifications to Study Items, ensures that mobile communication technology evolves systematically and harmoniously across the globe. Understanding these documents provides insight into how innovations like 5G are not just conceptualized but meticulously defined and implemented. As we move toward 6G and beyond, 3GPP’s documentation will continue to be the blueprint that drives the future of connectivity.