Sign in Subscribe

carrier 5g bands

Last updated on 


5G technology operates on a variety of frequency bands, each with its own characteristics and use cases. The term "carrier" in the context of 5G bands typically refers to mobile network operators or service providers that use specific frequency bands to deploy their 5G networks. Different carriers around the world may use different frequency bands for their 5G services.

Here's a technical explanation of some of the key 5G frequency bands:

  1. Low-Band (Sub-1 GHz):
    • Frequency Range: Typically, this includes frequency bands below 1 GHz, such as 600 MHz or 700 MHz.
    • Characteristics: Low-band frequencies offer broad coverage and better penetration through obstacles like buildings. However, they usually provide lower data rates compared to higher frequency bands.
  2. Mid-Band (1 GHz to 6 GHz):
    • Frequency Range: This includes frequency bands between 1 GHz and 6 GHz, such as 2.5 GHz or 3.5 GHz.
    • Characteristics: Mid-band frequencies strike a balance between coverage and data rates. They provide better data rates than low-band frequencies and offer decent coverage. Mid-band spectrum is often considered the "sweet spot" for 5G.
  3. High-Band or Millimeter Wave (mmWave) (24 GHz and above):
    • Frequency Range: mmWave bands include frequencies above 24 GHz, such as 28 GHz, 39 GHz, or 60 GHz.
    • Characteristics: High-band frequencies offer extremely high data rates but come with limited coverage and poor penetration through obstacles. They are suitable for dense urban areas and specific use cases like fixed wireless access.
  4. mmWave Unlicensed (e.g., 60 GHz):
    • Frequency Range: Specific unlicensed frequencies, such as 60 GHz.
    • Characteristics: This band is often used for short-range, high-data-rate applications, such as indoor Wi-Fi and some 5G applications. It has limited penetration through obstacles but can support multi-gigabit data rates.
  5. Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS):
    • Technology: DSS allows for the simultaneous deployment of 4G LTE and 5G on the same frequency band.
    • Characteristics: Carriers can dynamically allocate spectrum resources between 4G and 5G based on demand. This enables a smoother transition to 5G without disrupting existing 4G services.

It's important to note that the specific frequency bands used for 5G may vary by region and country due to regulatory differences. Carriers often acquire licenses for specific frequency bands to deploy their 5G networks, and this can lead to variations in the available 5G bands worldwide.