This specification provides general requirements and detailed Upper Layers (Layer 3) signaling protocols and procedures for the DS-41 radio interface. The protocols and procedures address functionality that is customarily classified as pertaining to Call Control and Mobility Management. Such functionality includes basic and supplementary services provision, connection management, registration, security functions, identification of subscriber equipment and its capabilities etc.; this functionality excludes the management of radio resources, such as system selection and acquisition, channel allocation, release and monitoring, RF measurement processing, handoff, and other related items.

The normative sections of this specification are stated in terms of requirements to be met by infrastructure and by subscriber equipment that operate in DS-41 mode. The protocols and procedures apply to the Upper Layers, as stated above.

Requirements for dual-mode DS-41/MC-41 systems, when operating in the MC-41 mode and when executing a transition (e.g., handoff, service redirection) to the DS-41 mode are given in Annex C.

Other documents (see 1.4) contain further requirements and/or capability descriptions necessary for the procedures and protocols not covered by this specification. It is intended that this specification, together with the accompanying documents, form a complete and functional specification set for the DS-41 radio interface.