3GPP Release 15 Overview

In June 2018, a major landmark was hit for 5G–the 3GPP’s Release 15 was frozen.  The Non Stand-Alone use case was frozen in December, and the Stand Alone use case was frozen in June.  Release 15 is considered the first of two major releases for 5G, with Release 16 scheduled to be complete by the end of 2020.  This document aims to provide a technical overview of Release 15, discuss what technology will be covered by late drops, compare some key differences between LTE and 5G’s New Radio specification, as well as discuss future trends for release 16.