10.1.7 Radio Access Network Sharing

36.3003GPPEvolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)Overall descriptionRelease 17Stage 2TS

E-UTRAN shall support radio access network sharing based on support for multi-to-multi relationship between E-UTRAN nodes and EPC nodes (S1-flex).

If the E-UTRAN is shared by multiple operators, the system information broadcasted in each shared cell contains the PLMN-id of each operator (up to 6).

E-UTRA may provide a single tracking area code (TAC) and Cell Identity valid for all the PLMNs sharing the radio access network resources. Alternatively, E-UTRA may provide TACs and Cell Identities valid only for a subset of the PLMNs sharing the radio network resources. With both alternatives, E-UTRA provides only one TAC and one Cell Identity per cell per PLMN.

The UE shall be able to read up to 6 PLMN-ids, to select one of the PLMN-ids at initial attachment and to indicate this PLMN-id to the E-UTRAN in subsequent instances of the Random Access procedures (e.g. as defined in clause 10.1.5). The E-UTRAN shall select an appropriate MME for the PLMN indicated by the UE. Once attached to an MME, the UE shall be able to indicate the allocated MME in subsequent instances of the Random Access procedures. The indication of the allocated MMEC is contained in the temporary UE identity.

Handling of roaming and access restrictions for UE in ECM-CONNECTED shall follow the principles specified in clause 10.4a.

Each Cell Identity associated with a subset of PLMNs identifies its serving eNB.