Network Coverage

Network Bands and Network Coverage

Network bands explained

One cannot overstate the importance of network bands when it comes to the quality of wireless communication. Network bands are ranges of radio wave frequencies allotted by regulatory bodies for the telecommunication sector to use for wireless communication.

Types of Network Bands

There are various types of network bands, typically categorized under terms like 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G – each representing different generations of network technologies. Within these categories, bands are further divided and labelled with specific numbers, such as Band 2 (1900 MHz) or Band 71 (600 MHz). Manufacturers configure mobile devices to operate within these bands to ensure compatibility with telecommunication services.

Compatibility and its Importance

Compatibility with the correct network bands is crucial for your device to operate effectively. If your device does not support the bands used by your network provider, you could experience poor service, dropped calls, or a lack of data connectivity.

Hence, checking device specifications against your operator’s supported bands is a must-do before purchasing a new phone, especially when traveling internationally where bands can significantly differ.

Network Coverage and its Impact on Connectivity

Network coverage on the other hand, refers to the geographic area where a network service provider offers its communication services. This coverage is contingent on the number of cell towers, their strategic placement, and the network bands they support.

Analyzing Network Coverage Maps

Carriers provide coverage maps that indicate where their networks are operative. When a provider mentions “nationwide coverage,” this indicates that their service spans a large portion of the country.

However, this can sometimes be misleading as it may not reflect the quality of coverage. Urban areas tend to have better coverage and faster speeds due to denser populations warranting more cell towers, whereas rural areas may face challenges with signal due to fewer towers and larger distances to cover.

The Role of Topography in Network coverage

Another factor affecting network coverage is the local topography. Mountains, buildings, and other large structures can cause signal disruptions. This is where the choice of network bands becomes strategic—lower frequency bands, such as 600 or 700 MHz, can travel further and penetrate structures better than higher frequency bands.

Technological Evolution of Network Bands

With the advent of 5G, we’re witnessing an evolution in the realm of network bands and coverage. 5G utilizes a mix of low, mid, and high-band frequencies, with the latter, known as mmWave, capable of providing unprecedented speeds, although with a reduced coverage area per tower.

The integration of different bands in 5G technology aims to strike the perfect balance between coverage and speed.

Network bands and coverage are the lifelines of mobile connectivity. Understanding which network bands your devices support and the coverage provided by your network operator can save you from connectivity woes and ensure you always stay in touch, whether for a voice call, streaming video content, or browsing the web.

Frequency bands

What are Frequency Bands?

To understand the importance of frequency bands, you must first understand the basics of electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is a wide range of frequencies over which electromagnetic waves can propagate.

These frequencies are expressed in hertz (Hz), a unit of measure indicating the number of cycles per second. Frequency bands are specific ranges within this spectrum that are allocated for various forms of communication and data transmission.

Role of Frequency Bands in Communication Systems

In the realm of wireless communication, different frequency bands serve different purposes, with each band having its own set of characteristics. The propagation properties, such as the ability to penetrate buildings or the distance covered, can vary significantly from one band to another.

Higher frequencies (e.g., in the GHz range) usually provide faster data transmission speeds but cover smaller areas and have a harder time penetrating obstacles. Conversely, lower frequencies can travel longer distances and are better at penetration but offer slower data speeds. This is why different applications use different parts of the spectrum.

Commonly Used Frequency Bands

Some of the commonly used frequency bands include:

1. Low-Frequency Bands (30 kHz to 300 kHz): Utilized for applications like radio navigation and maritime communication.
2. Medium Frequency Bands (300 kHz to 3 MHz): Mainly used for AM radio broadcasting.
3. High-Frequency Bands (3 MHz to 30 MHz): Employed for shortwave broadcasting, amateur radio, and over-the-horizon aviation communication.
4. Very High Frequency (VHF) Bands (30 MHz to 300 MHz): These bands are instrumental in FM radio broadcasting, terrestrial television broadcasting, and two-way land mobile radio systems.
5. Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Bands (300 MHz to 3 GHz): UHF is heavily used for mobile phones, wireless networks, satellite communication, and television broadcasting.
6. Super High Frequency (SHF) Bands (3 GHz to 30 GHz): These are utilized for radar systems, satellite communication, and some high-frequency WiFi standards.

Technological Innovation and Emerging Bands

With the advent of newer technologies, the demand for additional spectrum has led to the exploration of even higher frequency bands. The millimeter-wave bands, which lie in the SHF and EHF (extremely high frequency) range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz, are now being employed for 5G networks, offering fast data transmission speeds and capacity but requiring very close proximity between transmitters and receivers due to limited range and poor obstacle penetration.

Obsolete frequency bands

What are Obsolete Frequency Bands?

Over the years, certain frequency bands have fallen into obsolescence, either due to advancements in technology or regulatory changes that render them less optimal or entirely unsuitable for modern applications. Let’s explore what obsolete frequency bands are and understand their impact on the communications field.

What Makes a Frequency Band Obsolete?

A frequency band can be considered obsolete for several reasons:

1. Technological Advancements: Newer technologies often require wider bandwidths or operate at higher frequencies to accommodate increased data rates. This evolution can make older, narrower bands insufficient for current needs.
2. Interference Issues: As more devices come online, certain frequency bands may become crowded, leading to interference and degraded performance. This overcrowding might lead regulators to repurpose the spectrum for other uses.
3. Regulatory Decisions: Governmental bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States or the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) globally, regulate the spectrum and may decide to allocate certain bands to different services, leaving previous users to migrate to newer bands.
4. International Harmonization: To facilitate global communication, there’s often a push towards harmonizing frequency bands across countries. Disused bands might be a result of this process as nations agree to standardize different frequencies for specific services.

Examples of Obsolete Frequency Bands

A few example scenarios illustrate how frequency bands become obsolete:

1. The 700 MHz Band: In the US, the 700 MHz band was once used for analog television broadcasts. With the digital television transition, these frequencies have been repurposed for mobile broadband services due to their excellent propagation characteristics, rendering the old usage obsolete.
2. The 2G Spectrum: As mobile networks have moved towards 3G, 4G, and now 5G technologies, the frequencies initially used for 2G services are gradually being phased out or reframed for more advanced technologies, given their inability to support high data rate communications.
3. Maritime Communications: Some maritime communication bands used for sending distress signals and routine communications have become less utilized due to the emergence of satellite communications, which offer better coverage and reliability.

The Afterlife of Obsolete Bands

Decommissioning older frequency bands doesn’t mark their end. Instead, these spectrums often find a new lease on life. Through a process known as “spectrum repurposing,” obsolete bands are reassigned to new services that can benefit from the unique propagation characteristics of the frequencies.

Repurposing ensures efficient use of the radio spectrum, which is a limited resource, and fosters innovation in the development of new wireless communication technologies.

Network coverage in United States

Network Coverage in the United States

Network coverage in the United States refers to the geographic area where cellular service providers offer access to their wireless communication services. These services include voice calls, SMS (Short Message Service), and data connectivity for internet access on mobile devices. Coverage is a critical aspect for consumers when choosing a mobile service provider, as it affects the quality and reliability of their wireless communication experience.

Major Network Providers in US and Their Coverage

The United States is served by a few prominent national carriers:

1. Verizon Wireless: Known for having the most extensive 4G LTE network coverage in the country, Verizon is often lauded for its strong rural and urban presence.
2. AT&T: Following closely behind Verizon, AT&T excels in both network coverage and data speed, providing reliable service across most of the nation.
3. T-Mobile: After merging with Sprint, T-Mobile has made significant strides in expanding its coverage footprint and improving its 5G network, aiming to provide faster data speeds across large swaths of the country.

Each carrier’s network coverage can be visualized through their respective coverage maps available on their websites. These maps are color-coded to indicate different levels of signal strength, from strong (usually depicted in darker colors) to non-existent (often shown as white or clear).

Important Factors Affecting Network Coverage

Several factors affect the quality and reach of network coverage:

1. Geography: Mountains, valleys, and buildings can obstruct signals. Providers build more towers in highly populated areas, so rural regions might experience weaker coverage.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Carriers invest in technology and infrastructure, such as new towers or small cells, to boost signal strength and coverage area.
3. Spectrum Holdings: Wireless carriers require licenses to specific bands of the radio spectrum to provide services. Those with more spectrum in a given area can typically offer better coverage and capacity.

5G and the Future of Coverage

5G technology is the latest advancement in network coverage, promising faster speeds and more reliable connections. Carriers are rapidly deploying 5G networks across the U.S., which will result in significant changes to the coverage landscape. However, 5G availability is still primarily in urban areas, and it may take time for rural coverage to catch up.

Staying Connected While Traveling

When traveling within the United States, it is essential to consider network coverage to ensure continuous connectivity. Here are a few tips:

1. Check Coverage Maps: Before traveling, look at coverage maps to know what to expect in terms of service.
2. Wi-Fi Hotspots: In areas with poor cellular coverage, Wi-Fi hotspots can be a means to stay connected.
3. Network Extenders: Some carriers offer devices that can boost signal in areas where coverage is weak, such as inside buildings or in remote locations.

2G capabilities

GSM 850 and GSM 1900

their cousins in the GSM spectrum, GSM 850 operates at 850 MHz and is primarily used in the United States, Canada, and several countries in the Americas. Meanwhile, GSM 1900, as the name suggests, functions at 1900 MHz and is also dominant in North America. Both bands play a fundamental role in ensuring adequate coverage and fewer dropped calls, making them essential for a reliable mobile network experience.

GSM 850 and GSM 1900 work together to provide comprehensive coverage. In areas where one band’s signal may be weaker, the other is there to maintain a seamless connection for users on the move.

3G capabilities

UMTS 850, UMTS 1900, UMTS 1700 and UMTS 2100

These bands, such as UMTS 850, UMTS 1900, UMTS 1700, and UMTS 2100, represent different frequency ranges in which cellular networks operate. For example, UMTS 850, commonly referred to as Band 5, is widely used in many regions for its excellent coverage and building penetration, making it ideal for rural areas.

On the other hand, UMTS 1900 (Band 2) and UMTS 1700/2100 (Band 4, also known as AWS) are prevalent in North and South America and cater to urban areas where higher capacity is needed to serve dense populations.

Selecting a smartphone or cellular device that supports these UMTS bands can significantly impact your mobile experience, ensuring better reception, faster data speeds, and reliable connectivity, regardless of your location. As telecom networks evolve, these UMTS bands will continue to be a backbone for 3G services.

4G capabilities

LTE 700 (12, 13, 17), LTE 1700 (4, 66), LTE 1900 (2, 25) and LTE WCS 2300 (30)

The string of numbers mentioned above – “LTE 700 (12, 13, 17), LTE 1700 (4, 66), LTE 1900 (2, 25), LTE WCS 2300 (30)” – refers to specific ranges of frequencies that mobile networks use to deliver voice and data services. For instance, the LTE 700 band includes sub-bands like 12, 13, and 17, each of which has its own particular traits that impact coverage and building penetration.

The sub-bands within LTE 1700, denoted as bands 4 and 66, are widely used for their balance between coverage and speed, and are integral for many carriers in providing reliable LTE service. Similarly, LTE 1900 (2, 25) and LTE WCS 2300 (30) bands offer additional options for dense urban areas where capacity is just as important as coverage.

5G capabilities

5G 2500 (41), 5G 39 (260), 5G 28 (260) and 5G 600 (71)

The 5G 2500 (41) band, often referred to as the 2.5 GHz mid-band, offers a balanced trade-off between speed and coverage, making it a popular choice for urban settings where high data throughput and reasonable signal penetration through buildings are required.

Meanwhile, the 5G 39 (260) and 5G 28 (260) bands represent high-frequency millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrums that provide ultra-fast data speeds apt for dense city environments and high-bandwidth applications, although with limited coverage and building penetration.

Lastly, the 5G 600 (71) band, a low-band spectrum, offers extensive coverage and excellent building penetration, ensuring reliable service in rural and suburban areas but with lower data speeds compared to its mid-band and mmWave counterparts.

Which 4g band is fastest

Among the various LTE frequency bands, Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), and Band 1 (2100 MHz) are known for providing a good balance of speed and coverage, with Band 3 often being the most widely adopted and offering faster connections in many regions.

However, the actual speed you’ll experience also depends on network congestion, the quality of the network infrastructure, and your device’s capabilities. To harness these high-speed 4G bands to their fullest potential, ensuring that your device is compatible with these frequencies is crucial.

LTE bands by country

Long Term Evolution (LTE) bands are the radio frequency spectrum ranges allocated for the LTE mobile phone standard. Different countries use various LTE bands depending on regulatory decisions, technological compatibility, and the availability of frequency ranges. Here’s why understanding LTE bands is crucial:

The importance of LTE Bands

1. Compatibility: Knowing the LTE bands used in your country ensures that your mobile device is compatible with local networks, enabling you to access high-speed internet and reliable communication services.
2. Travel: When traveling, understanding the LTE bands used in different countries can help determine if your device will work abroad. If your device doesn’t support the bands in the region you’re visiting, you may need to rent or purchase a compatible one, or rely on Wi-Fi.
3. Network Performance: LTE bands can affect network performance. Some bands penetrate buildings and cover large areas better, while others are better suited for high-density, urban environments.
4. Device Choice: Awareness of the LTE bands can guide your choice of smartphones or LTE-enabled devices, ensuring you select a device that supports the relevant bands for your region.

LTE Bands Allocation by Country

Countries allocate LTE bands based on their specific telecommunication requirements and the available spectrum. Here’s a glimpse into how LTE bands are distributed.

1. United States: The United States uses several LTE bands, with the most common ones being Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 4 (AWS 1700/2100 MHz), Band 12 (700 MHz), Band 13 (700 MHz), and Band 17 (700 MHz).
2. Europe: European countries tend to use LTE Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), and Band 20 (800 MHz) widely across the continent.
3. Asia: Asia has a diverse LTE band landscape. For instance, China predominantly uses Band 38 (2600 MHz), Band 39 (1900 MHz), Band 40 (2300 MHz), and Band 41 (2500 MHz), while Japan utilizes bands including Band 1 (2100 MHz), Band 3 (1800 MHz), and Band 19 (800 MHz).
4. Australia: Australia primarily uses Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 5 (850 MHz), and Band 28 (700 MHz) for its LTE services.

How to Check Supported LTE Bands

To find out which LTE bands your device supports, you can:

1. Check the Device Specifications: Go to the manufacturer’s website and look up the technical specifications for your model.
2. Use a Third-Party Service: Websites and apps can provide information about the supported LTE bands on your device.
3. Check the Device Settings: Some devices display the supported bands in the network or about sections of the settings menu.

Network bands list

When we refer to “Network bands list”, we’re talking about the technical world of cellular communication. The term “band” in mobile networking indicates a specific range of frequencies that telecommunication service providers use to transmit and receive voice and data signals. Imagine each band as a highway lane allocated for certain types of traffic—some for high-speed data, others for standard voice calls.

Types of Network Bands

There are generally two types of bands that are of particular interest in mobile communication:

1. Frequency Division Duplex (FDD):

FDD is a technique where two separate frequency bands are used for transmit and receive operations. This allows simultaneous transmission of signals and is widely used in LTE networks.

2. Time Division Duplex (TDD):

Contrary to FDD, TDD uses a single frequency band for both transmission and reception, but it separates them by time. The switching happens so fast that the user does not notice it. This is more efficient in terms of spectrum usage and is common in LTE and 5G networks.

LTE and 5G Bands

With the advent of LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G technologies, we’ve seen an expansion in the range and capabilities of mobile networks:

1. LTE Bands: LTE networks operate across multiple bands—from Band 1 (2100 MHz) to Band 71 (600 MHz). Each cellular provider has licenses for specific bands that they use to deliver services to customers.
2. 5G Bands: 5G technology further extends these capabilities with the introduction of new bands, often categorized into two groups: sub-6 GHz for coverage and mmWave (millimeter wave) for ultra-high-speed data transfer, which are typically above 24 GHz.

How to Know Your Bands

Most modern smartphones are equipped with the capability to support a multitude of bands. To know which bands your phone supports:

1. Check the specifications of your device, often listed on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Upon purchasing a device, you may find a list of supported bands in the user manual or product box.

Different Categories of Network Bands

Network bands can be broadly categorized into the following:

1. 2G Bands – These are the oldest type of bands still in use, mainly for voice communication and basic data services. Example bands include GSM-850, GSM-900, GSM-1800, and GSM-1900.
2. 3G Bands – These bands saw a significant jump in data transmission speeds and are still used as a fallback in many areas where 4G coverage isn’t available. Prominent 3G bands include UMTS/HSPA Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8.
3. 4G LTE Bands – Providing much faster data speeds, these are the most commonly used bands for modern mobile internet use. There are many 4G LTE bands due to different allocations around the world, including Bands 20 (800 MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), and Band 7 (2600 MHz) among others.
4. 5G Bands – These are the latest bands designed for next-generation 5G networks. They offer even higher speeds and capacity compared to 4G. They include sub-6 GHz frequency bands like n77 (3700 MHz) and mmWave frequency bands like n258 (26 GHz).

Network Bands Chart

A typical network bands chart lists down all the bands according to their designated frequency ranges and sorts them by technology generation (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). The chart often also includes the regional deployment of these bands, given that different areas of the world may use different frequencies for the same generation of technology.

Network bands chart

1. 2G Bands (GSM)

1. 850 MHz (Band 5): Commonly used in the Americas.
2. 900 MHz (Band 8): Predominantly used in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
3. 1800 MHz (Band 3): Widely used across the globe for 2G services.
4. 1900 MHz (Band 2): Mainly deployed in North and South America.

Each 2G band is associated with the GSM standard, and these bands include a range of frequencies that various countries around the world use for voice and basic data communication.

2. 3G Bands (UMTS/HSPA)

1. 850 MHz (Band 5): Often found in the Americas and some parts of Asia-Pacific.
2. 900 MHz (Band 8): Used in Europe, Asia, and other regions as an extension of 2G GSM coverage.
3. 2100 MHz (Band 1): The most universally adopted 3G band, with usage across most continents.

3G bands provide improved data rates compared to 2G and were the first to enable video calling and mobile internet browsing.

3. 4G Bands (LTE)

1. 700 MHz (Bands 12/13/17): Lower frequencies like these are valuable for their long-range and better building penetration in the Americas.
2. 1800 MHz (Band 3): A popular LTE band globally known for a good balance between coverage and bandwidth.
3. 2600 MHz (Band 7): Favored in densely populated areas in Europe and Asia due to its high data capacity.

4G LTE bands offer significant improvements in data speeds, allowing for mobile HD video streaming and high-speed internet access.

4. 5G NR Bands (New Radio)

1. n1 (2100 MHz): Designed as an evolution of the 3G Band 1, providing increased data rates and lower latency.
2. n78 (3500 MHz): Expected to be the most globally popular 5G band, balancing speed and coverage.
3. n257 (28 GHz), n261 (27.5-28.35 GHz): Millimeter-wave bands providing ultra-high-speed data for dense urban environments.