3GPP officially approves the standalone (SA) version of the 5G New Radio (NR) standard

On June 13th 2018, the 3GPP officially approved the standalone (SA) version (Release 15) of the 5G New Radio (NR) standard at the 3GPP TSG #80 Plenary Meeting.

Previously the Non-Standalone (NSA) version of the 5G standard was approved in December 2017. 5G NSA works in conjunction with 4G LTE networks, while 5G SA enables independent deployment of 5G networks.

More than 600 delegates from the world's major telecom operators, networks, device makers, chipset designers, internet companies and other cellular industry verticals have witnessed this historic moment for 5G.

MediaTek Senior Vice President Cheng-Te Chuang said: “The completion of standalone 5G NR specifications is another remarkable milestone in the progress of 5G and the goal of full coverage 5G SA networks. MediaTek is deeply involved in the standardization of 5G core technologies. With the completion of both SA and NSA specifications, MediaTek’s commercial-ready 5G chipset is getting mature and MediaTek will be one of the first-tier suppliers in 5G commercial markets.”

To read further regarding statements made from 3GPP leaders and members, please see the press release.