All 3G and GSM specifications have a 3GPP specification number consisting of 4 or 5 digits. (e.g. 09.02 or 29.002). The first two digits define the series as listed in the table below. They are followed by 2 further digits for the 01 to 13 series or 3 further digits for the 21 to 52 series.
The full title, specification number and latest version number for every specification can be found in the status list and more information about terms such R99 and Rel-4 can be found on the Releases and phases page.
A specification in the 21 to 35 series may apply either to 3G only or to GSM and 3G. This can be determined by the third digit, where a "0" indicates that it applies to both systems. For example, 29.002 applies to 3G and GSM systems whereas 25.101 and 25.201 apply only to 3G. All other series apply only to GSM systems.
Subject of specification series
3G/GSM R99 and later
GSM only (Rel-4 and later)
GSM only (before Rel-4)
Requirements 21 series 41 series 01 series Service aspects 22 series 42 series 02 series Technical realization 23 series 43 series 03 series Signalling protocols (user equipment to network) 24 series 44 series 04 series Radio aspects 25 series 45 series 05 series CODECs 26 series 46 series 06 series Data 27 series 47 series 07 series Signalling protocols (RSS-CN) 28 series 48 series 08 series Signalling protocols (intra-fixed-network) 29 series 49 series 09 series Programme management 30 series 50 series 10 series User Identity Module (SIM / USIM) 31 series 51 series 11 series O&M 32 series 52 series 12 series Access requirements and test specifications 13 series (1) 13 series (1) Security aspects 33 series (2) (2) Test specifications 34 series (2) 11 series Security algorithms 35 series (2) (2)
Note (1): The 13 series GSM specifications relate to European-Union-specific regulatory standards. On the closure of ETSI TC SMG, responsibility for these specifications was transferred to ETSI TC MSG, (Mobile Specification Group) and they do not appear on the 3GPP file server.Note (2): The specification of these aspects were spread throughout several series.