Patent ID: 8014772

Claim:
A radio network controller, for use in providing a multimedia data service in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein when a user equipment moves from a first cell in which the multimedia data service is provided on a point-to-multipoint basis while requiring a Radio Resource Control connection, to a second cell in which the multimedia data service is provided on a point-to-multipoint basis without requiring a Radio Resource Control connection, the radio network controller is adapted to: determine whether a serving Radio Network Controller is required for the user equipment, and if it is determined that a serving Radio Network Controller is no longer required, the Radio Network Controller is adapted to: release the Radio Resource Control connection of said user equipment; such that said user equipment no longer requires the serving Radio Network Controller; continue point-to-multipoint transmission of the multimedia data service data from a controlling Radio Network Controller for said user equipment; and release an Iu interface between a previous serving Radio Network Controller and said controlling Radio Network Controller for said user equipment.