| name | 3gpp-releases |
| description | 3GPP release structure, versioning, TSG rounds, and release freeze concept. Use when understanding 3GPP release numbering, TSG round schedules, or finding specifications in releases. |
3GPP Releases
Official Release Timeline: https://www.3gpp.org/specifications-technologies/releases
Overview
3GPP specifications are published four times a year following quarterly Technical Specification Group (TSG) plenary meetings. Each Release represents a set of frozen technical specifications.
Release Structure
Release Numbering
3GPP uses a version numbering scheme:
- Two-digit series number: 21, 22, 23, etc. (indicates major technical version)
- Three-digit spec number: Incrementing within each series (e.g., 21.456, 21.457)
- Complete format:
21.456 (Series number + spec number)
Examples:
- Release 21: TS 21.456, 21.457, 21.458
- Release 22: TS 22.101, 22.102, 22.103
- Release 4: TS 4.001, TR 4.002
Release Timeline
- Rel-99: 1999
- Rel-4/5/6: 2001-2006
- Rel-7: 2007 (LTE)
- Rel-8/9/10: 2009 (LTE-Advanced)
- Rel-11/12/13/14: 2011 (LTE-Advanced Pro)
- Rel-15: 2015 (LTE-Advanced Pro)
- Rel-16/17/18: 2017 (LTE-Advanced Pro + 5G features)
- Rel-18: 2019 (5G NR Standalone)
- Rel-20: Current release (4G/5G dual connectivity + 5G NR Standalone)
TSG Rounds
What is a TSG Round?
A TSG round is a quarterly plenary meeting where specifications are made available. Each TSG round produces:
- Newly under change control specs (80%+ complete)
- Unchanged specs from previous version
- Revised specs incorporating approved Change Requests
- Upgraded specs to current Release (at freeze time)
TSG Round Schedule
Four TSG plenaries per year:
- March: RAN, SA, CT
- June: RAN, SA, CT
- September: RAN, SA, CT
- December: RAN, SA, CT
Example 2025 Schedule:
- March 2025: TSG RAN#107, TSG SA#107, TSG CT#107
- June 2025: TSG RAN#108, TSG SA#108, TSG CT#108
- September 2025: TSG RAN#109, TSG SA#109, TSG CT#109
- December 2025: TSG RAN#110, TSG SA#110, TSG CT#110
Spec Availability
FTP Directory Pattern
https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/<YYYY>-<MM>/
TSG Round Examples:
- RAN#110:
https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2025-12/
- SA#110:
https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2025-12/SpecslistexTSG/TSG110.htm
- CT#110:
https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2025-12/SpecslistexTSG/TSG110.htm
Target Dates
- MCC Target: All new/revised specs available within 3 weeks after TSG plenary
- Buffer Time: Extra week added for large volumes or holiday periods
Spec Types
- TS (Technical Specification): Normative technical specifications
- TR (Technical Report): Informative reports, studies
Release Freeze
- Definition: Point after which only corrections are allowed
- Backward Compatibility: Major focus to ensure systems remain compatible
- Forward Compatibility: Building compatibility for future releases (e.g., NSA in early 5G NR)
Closed Releases
Older releases that are "closed" - no further Change Requests accepted.
- Examples:
- Release 99: Closed
- Release 6: Closed
- Release 5: Closed
- Release 4: Closed
Usage in Code
Finding Specs by Release
base_url = "https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2018-12/"
spec_list = requests.get(base_url).text.split('\n')
Spec Number Pattern
TS numbers follow pattern: <series>.<spec>, where <series> is 21, 22, 23, etc.
Examples:
- TS 21.456: Series 21, spec 456
- TS 22.101: Series 22, spec 101
- TR 4.001: Series 4, spec 1 (Technical Report)
Cross-References
3gpp-working-groups - For understanding which TSGs produce which specs3gpp-specifications - For spec file format and numbering3gpp-change-request - For modifications to specs in releases
Resources
Key Points
- Parallel Development: Multiple releases worked on simultaneously (Rel-4, Rel-5, etc.)
- Current Release: Release 20 is in active development
- Backward Compatibility: Core design principle across all releases
- Closed Releases: No further modifications accepted
