Methods for signaling positioning measurements between nodes

A method for a user equipment (UE) configured for positioning in a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising:

• initiating a positioning procedure while the UE is connected to the RAN via a first RAN node;
• before completing the positioning procedure, suspending the UE's connection to the RAN to an inactive state;
• sending, to a second RAN node, a request to resume the UE's connection to the RAN, wherein the request includes one or more of the following:
• a first indication that UE had an ongoing positioning procedure with the first RAN node before the UE's connection to the RAN was suspended, and
• a second indication that the UE reported positioning measurements to the first RAN node before the UE's connection to the RAN was suspended;
• and
• continuing the positioning procedure while the UE is connected to the RAN via the second RAN node.

A method for a first radio access network (RAN) node configured to support positioning of user equipment (UEs) in the RAN, the method comprising:

• initiating a positioning procedure for a UE connected to the RAN via the first RAN node;
• before completing the positioning procedure, receiving from a second RAN node a retrieve UE context request that includes a third indication of a request for positioning measurements associated with the UE, wherein the UE suspended its connection to the RAN via the first RAN node and resumed its connection to the RAN via the second RAN node;
• and
• sending, to the second RAN node, a response that includes positioning measurements made by the first RAN node during the positioning procedure for the UE.