6.19 3GPP access network selection

22.2613GPPRelease 18Service requirements for the 5G systemTS

6.19.1 Description

The 5G system will support the concept of "network slices" where different NG-RANs potentially are connected to network slices of different SSTs. A 5G UE can provide assistance information (e.g. SST) to enable the network to select one or more network slices. A 5G system is foreseen to support one or more SSTs, but possibly not all existing SSTs.

A 5G network operator controls and is responsible for what SSTs that should be available to a specific UE and subscription combination, based on associated subscription type, network operator policies, network capabilities and UE capabilities. The network operator can populate the Operator Controlled PLMN Selector list with associated access technology identifiers, stored in the 5G UE, with the PLMN/RAT combinations enabling access to the SSTs that are available to the 5G UE with associated subscription.

The UE uses the list of PLMN/RAT combinations for PLMN selection, if available, typically during roaming situations. In non-roaming situations, the UE and subscription combination typically matches the HPLMN/EHPLMN capabilities and policies, from a SST perspective. That is, a 5G UE accessing its HPLMN/EHPLMN should be able to access SSTs according to UE capabilities and the related subscription.

Optionally, a 5G system supports, subject to operator policies, a User Controlled PLMN Selector list that enables the 5G UE user to specify preferred PLMNs with associated access technology identifier in priority order. The user can obtain information about suitable PLMN/RAT combination that would support services preferred by the user.

6.19.2 Requirements

The following set of requirements complement the requirements listed in 3GPP TS 22.011 [3], clause 3.2.

The 5G system shall support selection among any available PLMN/RAT combinations, identified through their respective PLMN identifier and Radio Access Technology identifier, in a prioritised order. The priority order may, subject to operator policies, be provisioned in an Operator Controlled PLMN Selector lists with associated RAT identifiers, stored in the 5G UE.

The 5G system shall support, subject to operator policies, a User Controlled PLMN Selector list stored in the 5G UE, allowing the UE user to specify preferred PLMNs with associated RAT identifier in priority order.