A method, a user equipment, a network node and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium

A method performed by a network node configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) via a non-terrestrial network, the method comprising:

• transmitting, to the UE, a message for suspending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection related to a first coverage area;
• receiving, from the UE, a first message initiating a procedure for releasing the suspended RRC connection based on a current location of the UE;
• and
• transmitting, to the UE, a second message releasing the suspended RRC connection based on the current location of the UE.

A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate via a non-terrestrial network, the UE comprising:

• a memory storing instructions;
• and
• at least one processor configured to process the instructions to:
• receive a message for suspending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection related to a first coverage area;
• determine that a current location of the UE is in a different coverage area from the first coverage area;
• and
• release the suspended RRC connection based on the current location of the UE.

A network node configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) via a non-terrestrial network, the network node comprising:

• a memory storing instructions;
• and
• at least one processor configured to process the instructions to:
• transmit, to the UE, a message for suspending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection related to a first coverage area;
• receive, from the UE, a message initiating a procedure for releasing the suspended RRC connection based on a current location of the UE;
• and
• transmit, to the UE, a message releasing the suspended RRC connection based on the current location of the UE.