Content for TR 43.026 Word version: 16.0.0

1.1 References 1.2 Abbreviations 2.1 Multiband MSs 2.2 Frequency bands of operation 2.3 Backwards compatibility 2.4 PLMN codes 2.5 Other systems
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1 Scope Word‑p. 5

The purpose of the present document is to describe the functionality of a Multiband GSM/DCS Network operated by a single operator and the Multiband GSM/DCS Mobile Station (MS). It also describes the necessary amendments to the GSM/DCS phase 2 specifications for the technical realization of the function.

The resulting Amendment Requests (AR) and Change Requests (CR) necessary for Multiband Operation are listed in Annex A.

1.1 References

Not relevant to the present document.

1.2 Abbreviations

Abbreviations used in the present document are listed in GSM 01.04.

2 General

Multiband operation of GSM/DCS by a single operator enables an operator, with licenses in more than one of the frequency bands specified in the GSM specifications, to support the use of multiband MSs in all bands of the licenses. In addition it also enables the operator to support the use of single band MSs in, at least, one band of the licenses.

Multiband GSM/DCS MSs, are MSs which are capable of using more than one of the frequency bands specified in the GSM specifications. The multiband MS is specified in GSM 02.06. (AR02.06 A001) and in clause 2.1.

The use of multiband operation and development of multiband MSs are optional for operators and manufactures.

2.1 Multiband MSs

A MS which supports more than one band and the functionality below is defined as a Multiband MS.

The multiband MS has the functionality to perform handover, channel assignment, cell selection and cell re selection between all its bands of operation within one PLMN, i.e. when one PLMN code is used in all bands. In addition it has the functionality to make PLMN selection, in manual or automatic mode, in all its bands of operation. The multiband MS shall meet all requirements specified for each individual band supported. In addition it shall meet the extra functional requirements for the multiband MSs.

2.2 Frequency bands of operation

Multiband operation shall be possible with any combination of the frequency bands specified in the GSM specifications. No frequency band is treated as a primary band in the specification. The operators may however use control mechanisms to make the MSs treat one of the bands with priority.

As a first implementation of Multiband operation only operation with GSM 900 (Standard or Extended) and DCS 1 800 is included in the standard. The proposed procedures shall however make it possible for operation between other bands if such are included in the core specifications in the future.

2.3 Backwards compatibility

Backwards compatibility with phase 1 and phase 2 single band mobiles shall be ensured by the specification of multiband operation. A multiband PLMN shall therefore, in addition to support of multiband MSs, be able to support the use of single band mobiles for, at least one of the bands of operation.

Backwards compatibility by the multiband MSs shall also be ensured. The MSs shall therefore be able to, functionally, work as single band mobiles in a single band network.

2.4 PLMN codes Word‑p. 6

Multiband operation of GSM/DCS by a single operator, with handover and assignment between the bands, implies that only one PLMN code is used in all bands of operation. Handover or assignment between PLMNs is not covered by this document or the work item.

An operator, with license in more than one band, may however support multiband mobiles without handover and assignment between the bands. If so, more than one PLMN code may be used. This is already covered with the phase 1 and phase 2 specifications.

2.5 Other systems

Multiband operation by a single operator does not include multi mode operation, i.e. handover, assignment or roaming between GSM/DCS and systems covered by other specifications or standards. The amendments of the GSM/DCS specifications for multiband operation may however be done in a flexible way so that multi mode operation can make use of the same procedures.