3GPP approves RAN updates to refine cell handover and measurement rules

These refinements provide the technical precision required to minimize connection drops during high-speed transitions, a critical factor for maintaining high-bitrate streaming on mobile devices. By tightening rules around cell reselection and measurement, 3GPP is addressing the underlying stability of the radio link. This move aligns with broader industry efforts to reduce latency and improve reliability for bandwidth-intensive applications like live sports and VR. For the streaming ecosystem, better handover performance translates directly to lower rebuffering rates in edge cases. Watch for these updated Tier-1 carrier parameters to begin appearing in network optimization cycles over the next 12 months.

The 3GPP Release 6 updates arrive as the industry pivots toward the 5G-Advanced and 6G eras. While Release 6 is a legacy specification, its continued maintenance is vital for backward compatibility and the optimization of existing infrastructures. Per Anritsu (June 2026), the focus has shifted toward 'Lower Layer Triggered Mobility' (LTM) in more recent releases to reduce handover interruption from the legacy 50–90 millisecond range. This is particularly relevant for time-critical communications and extended reality (XR) services where even short disruptions degrade the user experience.

Simultaneously, the 3GPP RAN plenary is aggressively planning for the future. Per C114 (April 2024), the Release 21 timeline—which will be the first set of 6G technical specifications—is expected to be finalized by June 2026. This timeline aligns with the IMT-2030 planning needs. Experts at the Global 6G Conference 2024 highlighted that while the design of 6G is underway, current efforts must still support 5G-Advanced evolution throughout Release 20, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Further, recent updates to Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) continue to build on the foundation laid by legacy MBMS rules. According to ResearchGate (2024), 5G MBS is being optimized to support mixed reality and online gaming, usage cases where user mobility often causes significant transmission interruptions. The ongoing refinement of RAN rules, even for older releases like Release 6, ensures that the global mobile standard remains a cohesive framework as the industry transitions toward native AI integration in the air interface and more energy-efficient network operations, as noted by KDDI (April 2026).