Section: 5.7.1 Description
Content: From the MNO’s point of view, an MNO may want to differentiate the UE which is specific for UAS use (UAS-capable) with the regular ground based UEs, as well as to identify the different class of UAV (e.g. small/big UAVs) for the following reasons: (1) To provide better service to the UAVs. As we know, airborne UAV may receive more DL signal interference from more RANs because UAVs can see more cells/RANs in the air (described in TR 36.777). If airborne status can be identified, MNO can use differentiated/optimized power control methods. Moreover, if UAV’s type can be identified, an MNO can translate the UAV class to mobility parameters (e.g. Time to Trigger used for handover), which can be used for mobility enhancements. (2) To protect the network. The airborne UAV may produce higher UL signal interference to the UEs on the ground (Described in TR 36.777), if the UAS-capable UE can be identified, suitable mechanisms or procedures can be used to migrate interference. (3) To differentiate charging rules. MNOs may want to charge different subscription fees for airborne UAV with UAS-capable UE vs. regular UEs. Also from the regulatory point of view, only certain type of UAV with certain 3GPP communication capabilities may be allowed to be operated in certain areas, and the MNOs may have the responsibility to identify the unauthorized airborne UAV that may because that type or communication capability of UAV is not allowed (e.g. UAV attached with a regular cell phone) in that area, and report to UTM or law enforcement. Some UAS may seek to operate without initial authorization from the UTM. In addition, they may attempt to avoid detection from the 3GPP system and being identified as UAS-capable UE. For instance, they may embed a terrestrial 3GPP UE and identify as a regular 3GPP UE. These UAS may hinder network performance and represent a breach of regulation in some airspaces. However, even in the absence of an explicit identification as a UAS-capable UE, the 3GPP system may detect, based on implicit information such as mobility pattern history and other RAN airborne UE detection mechanism, that the 3GPP UE is actually a UAS-capable UE in flying mode. In that case, an MNO may notify the UTM that a specific UE is believed to be in flying mode, to provide live positioning information into the UTM