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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

[pib] India hosts 3GPP RAN Working Group Meetings on 6G Standardization

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Why in the News?

The Telecommunications Standards Development Society (TSDI) of India has hosted the 3GPP Radio Access Networks (RAN1–RAN5) Working Group Meetings focusing on 6G standardization for the first time, in Bengaluru.

About 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project):

  • Overview: Global body established in 1998 for mobile telecom standards (2G → 6G).
  • Partners: Collaboration of ARIB (Japan), ATIS (USA), CCSA (China), ETSI (Europe), TSDSI (India), TTA (South Korea), and TTC (Japan).
  • Output: Publishes technical specifications, forming the global benchmark for telecom operators, equipment makers, and regulators.
  • Focus Areas:
    1. RAN (Radio Access Network) – towers & radios connecting users to the network.
    2. Core Network – switching, routing, internet connectivity.
    3. Services & System Aspects – apps, charging, security.

What is RAN (Radio Access Network)?

  • Definition: The wireless part of a mobile network that links user devices (phones, IoT) to the core network using radio waves.
  • Components:
    • Base Stations (Node B in 3G, eNodeB in 4G, gNodeB in 5G).
    • Antennas & radios.
    • Controllers (e.g., RNC in 3G).
  • Functions:
    • Transmits & receives radio signals.
    • Allocates spectrum.
    • Manages coverage, speed, call/data quality, and handovers.
  • Importance: Defines network performance (speed, latency, capacity).
  • 3GPP RAN Working Groups (RAN1–RAN5): Develop physical layer, radio protocols, performance testing, ensuring smooth migration from 4G → 5G → 6G.

Back2Basics:  Evolution of Mobile Standards

  • 3G (UMTS – Universal Mobile Telecommunications System): Introduced in early 2000s; based on WCDMA; enabled video calls, MMS, and mobile internet (up to 2 Mbps).
  • 4G (LTE – Long-Term Evolution): All-IP, OFDMA-based; provided high-speed broadband (hundreds of Mbps), VoLTE, and seamless video streaming.
  • 5G (NR – New Radio): Flexible OFDM-based; delivers ultra-high speeds (Gbps), ultra-low latency, supports IoT, automation, AR/VR, and network slicing.
  • 6G (Sixth Generation – under research): Expected by ~2030; aims for terabit-class speeds, AI-native networking, holographic communication, and satellite–terrestrial integration.

 

[UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

 

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