Cellular Frequencies: GSM, CDMA, LTE Bands Explained

Cellular frequencies are specific ranges within radio spectrum allocated for mobile communication. These frequencies enable mobile subscribers to connect with cellular networks of different types such as GSM, CDMA (UMTS), 4G LTE and 5G NR. We’ll also delve into cellular frequency bands used in the USA and Europe.

Frequency considerations

The different frequency bands (Low, Mid or High) are allocated based on their benefits and limitations. For example, lower frequencies (e.g. 600 to 900 MHz) offer benefits such as better penetration through buildings and wide coverage. Mid frequencies (e.g. 1.8 to 2.6 GHz) are used to have balance between both capacity and coverage. Higher frequencies (e.g. 3.5 GHz and above) offer higher data rates and capacity.

1G - analog Systems

• It primarily uses 800 to 900 MHz.
• Examples : AMPS, NMT-450

2G - Digital voice and SMS (GSM, CDMA)

• GSM uses 900 MHz (Europe, Asia), 1800 MHz (Europe, Asia) and 850/1900 MHz (North America) bands
• CDMA uses 850 MHz and 1900 MHz (North America)

3G - Mobile Broadband (UMTS/WCDMA)

• Command bands are 2100 MHz, 850/900 MHz, 1900 MHz

4G LTE

• 700 MHz (Band 12/13/17): Provides extensive coverage.
• 800 MHz (Band 20): Common in Europe.
• 1800 MHz (Band 3): Widely adopted globally.
• 2600 MHz (Band 7): Used for high-capacity networks.
• 1900 MHz (Band 2): Employed in North America.
• 2300 MHz (Band 40): Extensively used in India.

5G NR

• Sub-6 GHz (FR1):
  • 600 MHz (n71): Offers broad coverage.
  • 3.5 GHz (n78): Balances coverage and capacity.
  • 2.5 GHz (n41): Used for mid-band deployments.
• Millimeter Wave (mmWave, FR2):
  • 24–40 GHz (e.g., n260, n261): Provides ultra-high speeds with limited range.

Cellular Frequencies in the US

Table 1 outlines the cellular frequencies used in the United States (US).

Cellular Frequencies in Europe

Table 2 details the cellular frequencies utilized in Europe.

Cellular Frequencies in INDIA

In India, DoT allocates frequency bands for various services. DoT (Department of Telecommunications) is within the Ministry of Communications. It is responsible for formulating and implementing telecom policies.

The primary bands used for various cellular networks are as follows.

• GSM: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz.
• 3G (UMTS): 2100 MHz.
• 4G (LTE): 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2500 MHz.
• 5G NR: 3300–3600 MHz (n78) and 26 GHz (n258)

Summary

As mentioned, various frequency bands are allocated in different parts of the world for cellular networks as per requirements of coverage, capcity and data speeds taking into considerations geographic and demographic landscape of the country.