3GPP Release History

Version	Released Date	Detail
Phase 1	1992	GSM Features
Phase 2	1995	GSM Features, EFR Codec,
Release 96	1997 Q1	GSM Features, 14.4 kbit/s User Data Rate,
Release 97	1998 Q1	GSM Features, GPRS
Release 98	1998	GSM Features, AMR, EDGE, GPRS for PCS1900
Release 99	2000 Q1	Specified the first UMTS 3G networks, incorporating a CDMA air interface
Release 4	2001 Q2	Originally called the Release 2000 - added features including an all-IP Core Network
Release 5	2002 Q1	Introduced IMS and HSDPA
Release 6	2004 Q4	Integrated operation with Wireless LAN networks and adds HSUPA, MBMS, enhancements to IMS such as Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC), GAN
Release 7	2007 Q4	Focuses on decreasing latency, improvements to QoS and real-time applications such as VoIP. This specification also focus on HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access Evolution), SIM high-speed protocol and contactless front-end interface (Near Field Communication enabling operators to deliver contactless services like Mobile Payments),EDGE Evolution.
Release 8	2008 Q4	First LTE release. All-IP Network (SAE). New OFDMA, FDE and MIMO based radio interface, not backwards compatible with previous CDMA interfaces. Dual-Cell HSDPA.
Release 9	2009 Q4	SAES Enhancements, WiMAX and LTE/UMTS Interoperability. Dual-Cell HSDPA with MIMO, Dual-Cell HSUPA.
Release 10	2011 Q1	LTE Advanced fulfilling IMT Advanced 4G requirements. Backwards compatible with release 8 (LTE). Multi-Cell HSDPA (4 carriers).
Release 11	In progress	Advanced IP Interconnection of Services. Service layer interconnection between national operators/carriers as well as third party application providers. Content still open (as of April 2011).