scope:

The present document defines the stage-2 service description for the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) which is a packet bearer service and a main part of the packet domain. ITU-T Recommendation I.130 [29] describes a three-stage method for characterisation of telecommunication services, and ITU-T Recommendation Q.65 [31] defines stage 2 of the method. The GPRS described in the present document is also the description of the GERAN and UTRAN related functionality of the Evolved Packet System (EPS) according to TS 23.401 [89].

The present document does not cover the Radio Access Network functionality. TS 43.064 [11] contains an overall description of the GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN). TS 25.401 [53] contains an overall description of the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). TS 43.051 [74] contains an overall description of GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network.

The present document does not cover the functionality of the GPRS enhancements for the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). This functionality and also the interoperation functionality between E-UTRAN and GERAN/UTRAN accesses are described in TS 23.401 [89].

The present document specifies functions, procedures and information which apply to GERAN Iu mode. However, functionality related to GERAN Iu mode is neither maintained nor enhanced since Rel-9.