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What spectrum does 5G use?
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FR1 (Sub-6 GHz): This band covers frequencies from 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz. It includes many of the frequencies previously used for 2G, 3G, and 4G (LTE) networks, which allows for easier deployment and reuse of existing infrastructure. FR1 provides good coverage and penetration, making it suitable for urban, suburban, and rural areas. Commonly used bands in FR1 include n78 (3.3–3.8 GHz), n77 (3.3–4.2 GHz), n41 (2.5–2.7 GHz), and n28 (700 MHz).
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FR2 (mmWave): The FR2 band ranges from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz and is often referred to as the millimeter wave (mmWave) band. These higher frequencies offer much greater bandwidth, enabling extremely fast data rates and low latency. However, mmWave signals have limited range and are more easily blocked by obstacles like buildings and trees, making them best suited for dense urban environments, stadiums, and hotspots. Common FR2 bands include n257 (26.5–29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25–27.5 GHz), and n260 (37–40 GHz).
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Regional Variations: The specific 5G frequencies used can vary by country and region, depending on local regulatory approvals and spectrum availability. Some countries may allocate additional bands or use different portions of FR1 and FR2 for 5G services.
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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 |
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