5G doesn't live on one frequency — it spans a huge range, which 3GPP splits into two big families: FR1 (Sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave). This split is the single most useful thing to know about 5G spectrum.

It's the classic coverage-vs-speed trade-off again. FR1 is the workhorse — lower frequencies that travel far and through walls, reusing much of the existing 4G spectrum; it's what gives most people their 5G. FR2 is the sports car — very high frequencies with enormous bandwidth (blazing speeds), but short range and easily blocked, so it's reserved for dense hotspots like stadiums and city centers. Here's each.

FR1 (Sub-6 GHz)

This band covers frequencies from 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz. It includes many frequencies previously used for 2G/3G/4G, which allows easier deployment and reuse of existing infrastructure. FR1 provides good coverage and penetration, suitable for urban, suburban, and rural areas. Commonly used FR1 bands include n78 (3.3–3.8 GHz), n77 (3.3–4.2 GHz), n41 (2.5–2.7 GHz), and n28 (700 MHz).

FR2 (mmWave)

The FR2 band ranges from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz and is often called the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band. These higher frequencies offer much greater bandwidth — extremely fast data rates and low latency — but signals have limited range and are easily blocked by buildings and trees, making them best for dense urban areas, stadiums, and hotspots. Common FR2 bands include n257 (26.5–29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25–27.5 GHz), and n260 (37–40 GHz).

Regional Variations

The specific 5G frequencies used vary by country and region, depending on local regulatory approvals and spectrum availability. Some countries allocate additional bands or use different portions of FR1 and FR2 for 5G services.

Summary Table

Band	Frequency Range	Common Band Numbers	Characteristics
FR1 (Sub-6 GHz)	410 MHz – 7.125 GHz	n1, n3, n28, n41, n77, n78, n79	Wide coverage, good penetration, moderate speeds
FR2 (mmWave)	24.25 GHz – 52.6 GHz	n257, n258, n260, n261	Very high speeds, low latency, limited range

Practical Notes and Common Pitfalls

• Connect frequency to propagation: lower bands usually help coverage and penetration, while higher bands provide bandwidth but need denser sites or stronger beamforming.
• Check regulation and duplexing: licensed bands, channel bandwidth, FDD/TDD choice, and regional allocations strongly affect practical deployment.

Quick Recap

Further Readings

• Frequency Band