In order to be able to cater for a number of variations in the level to which HSUPA is implemented, a number of different HSUPA categories have been defined. These HSUPA categories are equivalent in function to those used on the downlink, althought he actual parameters and speeds are naturally different.
The HSUPA categories allow for different levels of performance within the UE. The characteristics of the UE can then be easily communicated to the network which can then communicate with it in a suitable manner.