Understanding LTE Frequency Bands: FDD, US Ranges, and Carrier Bands

LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a widely used standard for wireless broadband communication. It operates on various frequency bands globally, with each band having its specific characteristics and spectrum allocations. Understanding these bands is crucial for efficient network planning, device compatibility, and ensuring optimal performance across different regions and carriers.

This page covers LTE frequency bands for downlink and uplink LTE frequencies.

LTE Frequency Bands and FDD Overview

These bands are designated by numbers, each corresponding to a specific range of frequencies. These bands are defined by organizations such as 3GPP and ITU and are categorized into two main types: FDD and TDD.

• FDD (Frequency Division Duplex): In FDD, separate frequencies are allocated for uplink and downlink, which helps avoid interference and ensures higher efficiency. This is the most commonly used configuration in LTE networks worldwide.
• TDD (Time Division Duplex): In TDD, the same frequency is used for both uplink and downlink, but they are separated by allocating different time slots, enabling efficient use of spectrum for asymmetric traffic patterns.

LTE Frequency Bands in the US

In the United States, LTE frequency bands are allocated differently for various carriers to prevent interference and manage spectrum resources effectively. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates these allocations.

• Verizon’s LTE Bands: Verizon primarily uses bands such as Band 13 (700 MHz), Band 2 (1900 MHz), and Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz). Band 13 is considered Verizon’s core LTE band, providing strong coverage even in rural areas due to its low-frequency characteristics.
• T-Mobile’s LTE Bands: T-Mobile’s main LTE bands include Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), and Band 12 (700 MHz). Band 71 (600 MHz) is also a recent addition that provides enhanced coverage in rural and remote areas.

LTE (E-UTRA) Frequency Bands

Carrier Aggregation (Intra frequency bands)

Carrier Aggregation (Inter frequency bands)

Specific LTE Frequency Ranges

• LTE Band 1: 1920 – 1980 MHz (Uplink), 2110 – 2170 MHz (Downlink), FDD duplex, region : Asia, Europe, and some parts of the Middle East
• Band 2 (T-Mobile & Verizon): 1850 – 1910 MHz (Uplink), 1930 – 1990 MHz (Downlink)
• Band 4 (Verizon & T-Mobile): 1710 – 1755 MHz (Uplink), 2110 – 2155 MHz (Downlink)
• Band 12 (T-Mobile): 698 – 716 MHz (Uplink), 728 – 746 MHz (Downlink)
• Band 13 (Verizon): 746 – 756 MHz (Uplink), 777 – 787 MHz (Downlink)
• LTE Band 14: 788 – 798 MHz (Uplink), 758 – 768 MHz (Downlink), Bandwidth: 20 MHz, FDD duplex, Region: Primarily used in the United States.
• LTE Band 20: 832 – 862 MHz (Uplink), 791 – 821 MHz (Downlink), Bandwidth: 30 MHz, FDD, Region of Use: Commonly deployed in Europe, Africa, and some parts of Asia.
• Band 71 (T-Mobile): 663 – 698 MHz (Uplink), 617 – 652 MHz (Downlink)

These LTE frequency ranges are important as they determine coverage, signal strength, and penetration capabilities. Lower frequencies like 600 MHz (Band 71) and 700 MHz (Band 12 and 13) provide better building penetration and wider coverage, whereas higher frequencies like 1900 MHz (Band 2) and 2100 MHz (Band 4) are better suited for urban areas with high data traffic.

Importance of LTE Bands

Knowing the LTE frequency bands used by a carrier helps in selecting compatible devices and ensuring they support the necessary bands for optimal connectivity. For example, a device that supports Verizon’s LTE bands but lacks support for T-Mobile’s Band 71 might experience coverage issues in rural areas.

Conclusion

Understanding LTE frequency bands and their allocation is essential for network optimization, device compatibility, and delivering seamless user experiences. By analyzing the FDD bands used in the US and the specific LTE frequency ranges for carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile, users can gain a comprehensive view of how LTE networks function across different environments.