6.18 Multi-network connectivity and service delivery across operators

22.2613GPPRelease 18Service requirements for the 5G systemTS

Tools: ARFCN - Frequency Conversion for 5G NR/LTE/UMTS/GSM

6.18.1 Description

Given the multitude of use cases for new verticals and services, each operator, based on its business model, can deploy a network serving only a subset of the vertical industries and services. However, this should not prevent an end-user from accessing all new services and capabilities that will be accessible via 5G systems. To provide a better user experience for their subscribers with UEs capable of simultaneous network access, network operators could contemplate a variety of sharing business models and partnership with other network and service providers to enable its subscribers to access all services via multiple networks simultaneously, and with minimum interruption when moving.

6.18.2 Requirements

The 5G system shall enable users to obtain services from more than one network simultaneously on an on-demand basis.

For a user with a single operator subscription, the use of multiple serving networks operated by different operators shall be under the control of the home operator.

When a service is offered by multiple operators, the 5G system shall be able to maintain service continuity with minimum service interruption when the serving network is changed to a different serving network operated by a different operator.

NOTE 1: A business agreement is required between the network operators.

In the event of the same service being offered by multiple operators, unless directed by the home operator’s network, the UE shall be prioritized to receive subscribed services from the home operator’s network.

NOTE 2: If the service is unavailable (e.g. due to lack of network coverage) from the home operator’s network, the UE may be able to receive the service from another operator’s network.

NOTE 3: QoS provided by the partner operator’s network for the same service will be based on the agreement between the two operators and could be different than that provided by the home operator’s network.