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Non-Terrestrial Networks in 5G Systems - Standards Evolution

This page is the detailed, release-by-release companion to Standards: Non-Terrestrial Networks in 5G Systems: the 3GPP work items and Change Requests behind each release. See that page for the full specification list and current scope.

At a glance
  • Release 20: 1 change request.
  • Release 19: 26 change requests.
  • Release 18: 14 change requests.
  • Release 17: work item NR_NTN_solutions-Core; 22 change requests.
  • Release 16: work items FS_NR_NTN_solutions, FS_5GSAT; 1 change request.
  • Release 15: work item FS_NR_nonterr_nw; 8 change requests.

Sources: the 3GPP work plan of 28 September 2026, the 3GPP Change Request database of 25 September 2026, and the change history of TR 38.811 V15.4.0, TR 38.821 V16.2.0, TR 38.863 V20.0.0, TR 22.822 V16.0.0, TR 23.737 V17.2.0.

This page covers TR 38.811, TR 38.821, TR 38.863, TR 22.822, TR 23.737. The work items are those that name these specifications in the 3GPP work plan. The change requests are those recorded in the 3GPP Change Request database as implemented in a version.

Release 20​

SpecificationVersionCRSubjectWork item
TR 38.86320.0.00076: Introduction of the 3MHz channel bandwidth and PC2/PC1 for n250, n251, n252, n253NTN_bands_Features_R20-Core

Release 19​

26 change requests and 1 version without one
SpecificationVersionCRSubjectWork item
TR 38.86319.0.00028CR to TR 38.863: Introduction of NR-NTN band n252NR_NTN_Sband-Core
TR 38.86319.0.1Minor editorial update
TR 38.86319.1.00029CR to TR 38.863 on SAN RF requirements for less than 5MHzNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.1.00032(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Correction of the NR NTN band n256 REFSENS valuesNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86319.1.00035(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Clarification of the NR NTN band n256 out-of-band blocking requirementsNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86319.1.00036Addition of the 3MHz channel to TR 38.863NR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.1.00037Formal BigCR to TR 38.863 for NTN HPUENR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh
TR 38.86319.1.00039CR to TR 38.863: Introduction of combined L-bands n253, n251, n250NR_NTN_combinedLband-Core
TR 38.86319.1.00042Big CR for TR 38.863 Introduction of Ku BandsNR_NTN_Ku_bands-Core
TR 38.86319.2.00043Addition of power back-off simulation results for the NTN L-bandsNR_NTN_combinedLband-Core
TR 38.86319.2.00044Clarification for the simulation assumptions for NTN L-band and S-band power back-off resultsNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.2.00045(NR_NTN_Ku_bands-Core) CR to TR 38.863 - Regulatory context for the NTN Ku-bandsNR_NTN_Ku_bands-Core
TR 38.86319.3.00049Corrections for the NTN NR L-band NS flag referencesIoT_NTN_FDD_S_band-Core
TR 38.86319.3.00050Corrections for the NTN NR L-band NS flag referencesNR_NTN_combinedLband-Core
TR 38.86319.3.00051Corrections for the NS_02N and NS_24N flag referencesNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.4.00053Corrections for the NTN band n255 NS_02N flag referencesNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.4.00054Corrections of the NTN band n256 NS_24N A-MPR valuesNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.4.00055Corrections of the NTN band n252 A-MPR valuesNR_NTN_Sband-Core
TR 38.86319.5.000583 MHz channel BW related updates to non-band specific SAN clausesNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.5.00060CR to TR 38.863 on editorial correctionsNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh
TR 38.86319.5.00064Addition of ETSI requirements for the MSS L- and S-bandNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86319.5.00065Corrections to the NTN band n255 NS_02N A-MPR definitionsNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.5.00066Corrections to the NTN band n256 NS_24N A-MPR definitionsNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.5.00067Corrections to the NTN band n256 NS_24N 3MHz A-MPR definitionsNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core
TR 38.86319.5.00070Correcting x-axis labels in Delay and Doppler variation examplesNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Perf
TR 38.86319.5.00074CR to TR 38.863, on correction of Asymmetric channel bandwidthNR_NTN_Sband-Core
TR 38.86319.5.00075Editorial corrections to the definitions of A-MPR regionsNR_IoT_NTN_req_test_enh-Core, NR_NTN_Sband-Core

Release 18​

SpecificationVersionCRSubjectWork item
TR 38.86318.0.00010NTN enhancement: CR to TR 38.863 NTN Ka-band Regulatory aspectsNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.1.00012CR on TR38.863 Addition of simulation assumptions in above 10GHzNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.1.00013CR proposal to add Doppler and Delay variation examples as a function of time for NGSO and GSO in a new AnnexNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.2.00015CR on TR 38.863 Addition of simulation results in above 10GHzNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.2.00016CR on TR38.863 Summary of coeixstence results in above 10GHzNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.2.00017CR for TR 38.863 to introduce some technical background for R18 NTN VSAT UE Tx requirementsNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.2.00018CR for TR 38.863 to introduce some technical background for R18 NTN VSAT UE Rx requirementsNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.3.00020Maintenance CR for Ka-band coexistence results to TR 38.863NR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.4.00021(NR_NTN_enh-Core) CR for TR 38.863, On NTN system parameters for Ka-band co-existenceNR_NTN_enh-Core
TR 38.86318.5.00023(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Corrections to TR 38.863 to align with TS 38.101-5NR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86318.6.00025CR for TR 38.863, Correction on tolerance for UE Transmission characteristics for satellite accessNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86318.7.00031(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Correction of the NR NTN band n256 REFSENS valuesNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86318.7.00034(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Clarification of the NR NTN band n256 out-of-band blocking requirementsNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86318.8.00063Addition of ETSI requirements for the MSS L- and S-bandNR_NTN_solutions-Core

Release 17​

Work itemTitleTypeSpecificationsStatusWID
NR_NTN_solutions-CoreCore part: Solutions for NR for NTNNormativeTR 38.863 (with TS 38.101-5)Complete, Jun 2022RP-221169
22 change requests and 2 versions without one
SpecificationVersionCRSubjectWork item
TR 23.73717.0.0MCC update for publication after TSG SA#86 approval
TR 38.86317.0.0Approved by plenary – Rel-17 spec under change control
TR 23.73717.1.00002KI #1 solutions evaluationFS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00003KI #1 conclusionsFS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00004Sol#13: Additional description and evaluation of Solution #13FS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00005Sol#12: Handling of Cell ID in Solution #12FS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00006Sol#1: Updates to Solution#1FS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00007Conclusion on KI#1 and KI#2FS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00008Conclusion update on KI #5FS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00009Update the conclusion for KI#4FS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00011Key Issue 10 solution evaluationFS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00012Key Issue 10 conclusionsFS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00017KI #X, #1, #2, #10, New Sol: Solution for Key Issue for Minimization of 5GCN ImpactsFS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 23.73717.1.00018KI #13, #x, #y, New Sol: Solution for Key Issue for accessing PLMNs in the same countryFS_5GSAT_ARCH
TR 38.86317.1.00001CR for 38.863 to maintain UE RF partsNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.1.00002Correction to TR 38.863 on Regulatory aspects for HAPSNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 23.73717.2.00019Using inclusive language in TR 23.737FS_5GSAT_ARCH, TEI17
TR 38.86317.2.00005CR for TR 38.863 to maintain SAN partsNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.3.00009CR for TR 38.863, Correction on Satellite and UE Antenna and beam forming pattern modellingNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.4.00022(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Corrections to TR 38.863 to align with TS 38.101-5NR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.5.00027CR for TR 38.863, Correction on tolerance for UE Transmission characteristics for satellite accessNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.6.00030(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Correction of the NR NTN band n256 REFSENS valuesNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.6.00033(NR_NTN_solutions-Core) Clarification of the NR NTN band n256 out-of-band blocking requirementsNR_NTN_solutions-Core
TR 38.86317.7.00062Addition of ETSI requirements for the MSS L- and S-bandNR_NTN_solutions-Core

Release 16​

Work itemTitleTypeSpecificationsStatusWID
FS_NR_NTN_solutionsStudy on solutions for NR to support non-terrestrial networks (NTN)StudyTR 38.821Complete, Dec 2019RP-190710
FS_5GSATStudy on using Satellite Access in 5GStudyTR 22.822Complete, Jun 2018SP-170702
SpecificationVersionCRSubjectWork item
TR 22.82216.0.0Raised to v.16.0.0 following one-step-approval at SA
TR 38.82116.2.00002Corrections to abbreviations, figures and table headerFS_NR_NTN_solutions

Release 15​

Work itemTitleTypeSpecificationsStatusWID
FS_NR_nonterr_nwStudy on NR to support non-terrestrial networksStudyTR 38.811Complete, Jun 2018RP-171450
SpecificationVersionCRSubjectWork item
TR 38.81115.0.0
TR 38.81115.1.00001Corrections for TR38.811 Chapter 6 Non-Terrestrial Networks channel modelsFS_NR_nonterr_nw
TR 38.81115.2.00002Correction to NTN channel modelsFS_NR_NTN_solutions
TR 38.81115.2.00003Corrections for TR38.811 Section 6.8.2 Non-Terrestrial Networks channel modelsFS_NR_nonterr_nw
TR 38.81115.2.00004Correction to NTN channel models (Ionospheric scintillations)FS_NR_NTN_solutions
TR 38.81115.2.00005CR TR 38.811 Section 6.9.2 and 5.3.4FS_NR_nonterr_nw, FS_NR_NTN_solutions
TR 38.81115.3.00006Correction for inconsistent shadow fading parameters in NTN rural scenarioFS_NR_nonterr_nw
TR 38.81115.4.00007Corrected implementation for inconsistent shadow fading parameters in NTN rural scenarioFS_NR_nonterr_nw
TR 38.81115.4.00008Correction to NTN channel modelFS_NR_nonterr_nw

TR 38.811 before change control​

7 versions before approval

The Foreword of the specification defines the first digit of the version: 1 means presented to TSG for information, 2 means presented to TSG for approval, and 3 or greater indicates a TSG approved document under change control. The change history lists the versions before approval as follows.

DateMeetingTDocSubjectVersion
Jun 2017RP-76RP-170983Skeleton report provided as input to RAN #760.0.0
Jun 2017RP-76RP-171453Agreed version as output of RAN #76 including pCRs of RP-170917, RP-170918, RP-171447, RP-171448.0.1.0
Sep 2017RP-77RP-172074Agreed version as output of RAN #77 including pCRs of RP-171578, RP-171579, RP-171580, RP-172075.0.2.0
Nov 2017RP-78RP-172179Cleanup of v0.2.0 to align with 3GPP drafting rules0.2.1
Dec 2017RP-78RP-172794Agreed version as output of RAN #78 including pCRs of RP-172274, RP-172768, RP-1727690.3.0
Mar 2018RP-79RP-180545Agreed version as output of RAN #79 including pCRs of RP-180036, RP-180135, RP-180180, RP-1805430.4.0
Jun 2018RP-80RP-181393Agreed version as output of RAN #80 including pCRs of RP-180661, RP-181381, RP-181382, RP-181383, RP-181392, RP-1813941.0.0

TR 38.821 before change control​

2 versions before approval

The Foreword of the specification defines the first digit of the version: 1 means presented to TSG for information, 2 means presented to TSG for approval, and 3 or greater indicates a TSG approved document under change control. The change history lists the versions before approval as follows.

DateMeetingTDocSubjectVersion
Aug 2018RAN3#101R3-185304Skeleton TR0.0.0
Aug 2018RAN3#101R3-185333Agreed version including pCRs of R3-184522, R3-185235, R3-1853100.1.0

TR 38.863 before change control​

4 versions before approval

The Foreword of the specification defines the first digit of the version: 1 means presented to TSG for information, 2 means presented to TSG for approval, and 3 or greater indicates a TSG approved document under change control. The change history lists the versions before approval as follows.

DateMeetingTDocSubjectVersion
Nov 2021RAN4# 101-eR4-2120776Added approved TPs in RAN4#101-e including: R4-2120759, draft TP to TR 38.863: Operating bands and channel arrangements R4-2120760, TP for 38.863 on system parameters on satellite bands R4-2120761,TP to TR 38.863 – Regulatory aspects R4-2120762, TP to TR 38.863: node class, RF RX (6.2) R4-2120763, TP for 38.863 on NTN UE transmission characteristics R4-2120772, Draft text proposal to update TR 38.863 NTN related RF and co-existence aspects0.1.0
Jan 2022RAN4#101-bis-eAdded approved TPs in RAN4#101-bis-e including: R4-2201257, TP for 38.863 on system parameters to clarify “NTN satellite bands” R4-2201838, Draft proposal to update TR 38.863 NTN related RF and co-existence aspects R4-2202988, Draft Text Proposal for TR 38.863 R4-2203037, TP for 38.863 on UE transmission characteristics for satellite access R4-2203038, TP for 38.863 on maximum input level for NTN UE R4-2203039, TP for 38.863 on UE Receiver characteristics for satellite access R4-2203040, TP to TR 38.863 on transmitter characteristics for satellite access node R4-2203081, Draft text proposal to update TR 38.863 Chapter 3 R4-2203082, TP to TR 38.863 on channel raster and sync raster R4-2203084, TP to TR 38.863 Regulatory aspects for HAPS R4-2203085, TP to TR 38.863 on general aspects R4-2203129, TP to TR 38.863 – Regulatory aspects0.2.0
Mar 2022RAN4#102-eAdded approved TPs in RAN4#102--e including: R4-2205557, R4-2207330, TP TR 38.863 7.4.1 NTN UE Requirement (General) R4-2207333, TP to TR 38.863 on Section 5.2 NTN Satellite band R4-2207338, TP for TR 38.863: Regulatory aspects for NTN satellite access nodes and Ues operating in UL1626.5-1660.5 MHz and DL 1525-1559 MHz frequencies ranges R4-2207339, TP to TR 38.863 Regulatory aspects for HAPS R4-2207345, Draft text proposal for Clauses 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 in TR 38.863 R4-2207351, Draft text proposal to update TR 38.863 Chapter 6 R4-2207353, Draft text proposal for Clauses 6.4 and 6.5 in TR 38.863 to include simulation results based on Non-AAS antenna assumption R4-2207360, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.4.7.3 OTA ACLR in TR 38.863 R4-2207367, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.5.6 OTA Out-of-band blocking in TR 38.863 R4-2207379, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.2.4 Out-of-band blocking in TR 38.863 R4-2207381, Draft text proposal for Clauses 7.3.3.2.3.1 Adjacent Channel Selectivity (ACS) and 7.3.3.2.3.2 In-band blocking in TR 38.863 R4-2207397, TP on TR 38.863 for NTN UE Tx requirements R4-2207398, Draft TP to update TR 38.863 clause 7.4.3.2 on NTN UE ACS R4-2207399, Draft TP to update TR 38.863 clause 7.4.3.2 on Blocking characteristics R4-2207401, TP for TR38.863 on Intermodulation characteristics for NTN UE R4-2207402, TP for 38.863 on spurious response for NTN UE R4-2207403, TP for TR 38.863: Unwanted emissions for NTN satellite Ues transmitting in 1626.5 to 1660.5 MHz R4-2207406, TP for TR 38.863: Updates to UE Maximum Output Power for n255 R4-2207414, TP for 38.863 on UE Receiver characteristics for satellite access R4-2207460, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.2.2.4.1 ACLR in TR 38.8630.3.0
May 2022RAN4#103-eAdded approved TPs in RAN4#103e including: R4-2209089, TP for 38.863 on general part for NTN UE conducted receiver characteristics R4-2209364, TP for 38.863 on UE Rx spurious emission requirements for satellite access R4-2209365, TP for 38.863 on UE antenna characteristics for satellite access R4-2210228, Draft text proposal for Clauses 6.4 and 6.5 Corrections Typos - TR 38.863 R4-2210636, TP to TR 38.863: coexistence issues between NTN and TN from Rel-17 RAN4 study. R4-2210847, TP to TR 38.863 - Updates R4-2210848, Draft text proposal for Clause 6.1 Coexistence Figures - TR 38.863 R4-2210853, TP for 38.863: clause 7.3.2 Conducted transmission characteristics R4-2210858, TP to TR 38.863: Conducted reference sensitivity R4-2210859, TP to TR 38.863: Conducted Rx dynamic range R4-2210860, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.2.2.5 Transmitter spurious emissions - TR38.863 R4-2210865, Tentative draft pCR for Clause 7.3.2.2.4.2 Operating band unwanted emissions - TR 38.863 R4-2210866, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.2.2.1 SAN output power - TR 38.863 R4-2210867, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.1 OTA sensitivity - TR 38.863 R4-2210868, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.2 OTA reference sensitivity - TR 38.863 R4-2210869, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.3 OTA dynamic range - TR 38.863 R4-2210870, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.7 OTA receiver intermodulation - TR 38.863 R4-2210871, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.8 OTA in-channel selectivity - TR 38.863 R4-2210872, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.4 OTA in-band selectivity and blocking - TR 38.863 R4-2210875, TP for TR 38.863: Updates to n255 A-MPR Clause R4-2211133, Draft Text Proposal to Update TR 38.863 Chapter 3,6 and 8 R4-2211134, Draft Text Proposal to Update TR 38.863 structure R4-2211146, Draft text proposal for Clause 7.3.3.3.2 OTA reference sensitivity - TR 38.8630.4.0

TR 22.822 before change control​

5 versions before approval

The Foreword of the specification defines the first digit of the version: 1 means presented to TSG for information, 2 means presented to TSG for approval, and 3 or greater indicates a TSG approved document under change control. The change history lists the versions before approval as follows.

DateMeetingTDocSubjectVersion
Dec 2017SA1#80S1-174439Skeleton created0.0.0
Dec 2017SA1#80S1-174283Addition of scope, 6 use cases, Annex A0.1.0
Feb 2018SA1#81S1-180248Addition of definitions in Section 3 Existing text edited and clarified. 5 use cases added (5.7, 5,8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11) 3 sections added (6, 7,8) Annex A modified0.2.0
May 2018SA1#82S1-181289Edition of Section 2 Addition of Abbreviations in Section 3. Update of location of titles of Table (above, instead of below). 1 use case on Off-Shore Wind Farms (5.12) added. Removal of Editor’s notes and update of fewer Potential Requirements. Some potential requirements edited in Section 5 consistently with PR adopted in Section 8. Text added for Section 7 (Considerations),8 (Potential Requirements) and 9 (Conclusion and Recommendations)0.3.0
May 2018SA#80SP-180335MCC Clean-up for one-step approval to SA1.0.0

TR 23.737 before change control​

2 versions before approval

The Foreword of the specification defines the first digit of the version: 1 means presented to TSG for information, 2 means presented to TSG for approval, and 3 or greater indicates a TSG approved document under change control. The change history lists the versions before approval as follows.

DateMeetingTDocSubjectVersion
Aug 2019SP#85SP-190632MCC editorial update for presentation to TSG SA#851.0.0
Dec 2019SP#86SP-191095MCC editorial update for presentation to TSG SA#86 for approval (updated to Release 17)2.0.0