ETSI TS 143 005 contains technical performance objectives that should be met for the fixed infrastructure of GSM PLMNs. Concerning transmission delay for the PLMN in clause 4, the requirements should also be met by GSM Mobile Stations (MS)s.

These performance design objectives are applicable to all implementations at all points in the growth cycle up to the maximum size. These reference loads and performance objectives may be used by manufacturers in designing GSM PLMNs and by Administrations or Recognised Private Operating Agencies (RPOA)s in evaluating a specific design or for comparing different designs for potential use in the Administration's or RPOA's intended implementation.