Beyond 3GPP Release 17: Near and Long-Term Implications

The first quarter of 2022 will bring Release 17 from the 3GPP which will detail a 5G world that will significantly rely upon the contribution of satellite and other “Non-Terrestrial Networks”. Release 17 will expand the reach of cellular/mobile 5G New Radio (5G NR) standards networks to areas lacking network infrastructure and for use cases in enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). Satellite links will cover the edge of mobile operators’ networks, with customers benefiting from multi-connectivity, connecting with both terrestrial links and satellite links. Release 17 will facilitate the use of satellites to:

• Foster 5G service roll out in unserved or underserved areas.
• Increase service reliability for critical communications and service availability everywhere with mobile users.
• Enable 5G network scalability through the provision of efficient multicast/broadcast resources for data delivery towards the network edges or even directly to user equipment.
• Allow global enterprises to be fully cloud-enabled, with facilities monitored in real-time and remote workers connected to applications, content and their families.

This panel will explore how Release 17 will help mobile operators and others by utilizing satellites to expand their networks and service offerings while also discussing the early thinking around Release 18 and its implications for 6G.