UMTS Channels (Logical, Transport and

Physical)

Why do we need BCCH over FACH and under what scenarios would it become
applicable. Is it a handset related feature or a network related activity that comes in
place due to service demands?

It is mandatory for UE to support BCCH mapped onto FACH. UE has to read System
Information from BCCH mapped on BCH in IDLE, CELL_FACH, CELL_PCH and
URA_PCH state. When the System Information gets changed MIB value tag is updated
and Paging message is transmitted indicating that System Information has changed. The
UE's in IDLE, CELL_PCH and URA_PCH will be able to read the updated System
Information. To tell the UE's in CELL_FACH to read the new System Information
SYSTEM INFORMATION CHANGE INDICATION message is sent on BCCH
mapped to FACH.

Also when DRAC procedures are applicable, Sib 10 is transmitted over FACH. System
Information Block type 10 shall be acquired on the FACH and only by UEs with
support for simultaneous reception of one SCCPCH and one DPCH. If System
Information Block type 10 is not broadcast in a cell, the DRAC procedures do not apply
in this cell. Note that the UE has to be in CELL_DCH to read Sib 10.