As 5G technology continues to expand worldwide, band n78 (3.5 GHz) has emerged as one of the most commonly used mid-band frequencies for high-speed, reliable 5G connectivity.
It is widely adopted by mobile carriers across Europe, Asia, and other regions due to its balance of speed, coverage, and capacity.
This article explores what 5G band n78 is, its advantages, global adoption, and how it impacts your mobile experience.
Table of Contents
What Is 5G Band n78?
5G band n78 operates in the 3.3 GHz – 3.8 GHz frequency range and falls under the mid-band spectrum of 5G. It is also known as the C-band, a key spectrum allocation for many countries transitioning from 4G LTE to 5G.
- Frequency Range: 3300 MHz – 3800 MHz
- Category: Mid-band 5G
- Coverage: Moderate (better than mmWave, shorter than low-band)
- Speed Potential: Up to 1 Gbps under optimal conditions
- Latency: Lower than 4G LTE (~10-20 ms)
Why Is Band n78 Important?
Band n78 is considered the “sweet spot” of 5G connectivity because it provides:
✔ Faster speeds than low-band 5G (700 MHz, 600 MHz)
✔ Better coverage than high-band mmWave (26 GHz, 39 GHz)
✔ Efficient network capacity to handle more users and data
Because of this balance, n78 is the most widely deployed 5G band globally and is the foundation of many national 5G networks.
Advantages of 5G Band n78
1. Fast Speeds & Reliable Performance
- With a wider frequency range (up to 500 MHz bandwidth), band n78 can deliver download speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on network conditions.
- It is significantly faster than 4G LTE, making it ideal for high-speed applications like HD streaming, gaming, and video calls.
2. Stronger Coverage Compared to mmWave
- Unlike mmWave (n258, n260, n261), which has limited range and struggles with obstacles, n78 provides better signal penetration in urban areas.
- While not as far-reaching as low-band 5G, it covers a good balance between range and speed.
3. Widely Supported on 5G Devices
- Most modern 5G smartphones, routers, and IoT devices support band n78 as a primary mid-band frequency.
- Popular 5G phones such as the iPhone 15 series, Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 8, and OnePlus 11 all support n78 connectivity.
4. Ideal for Urban & Suburban 5G Networks
- Many countries use n78 for city-wide and suburban 5G deployment, ensuring faster speeds in high-density areas.
- It is commonly used in standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks.
Countries Using 5G Band n78
Band n78 is one of the most globally deployed 5G bands, used by major carriers across multiple continents.
| Country | Network Operators Using n78 | Frequency Range |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile (limited C-band use) | 3700 – 3980 MHz |
| United Kingdom | EE, Vodafone, O2, Three UK | 3400 – 3800 MHz |
| Germany | Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, O2 | 3450 – 3700 MHz |
| France | Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile | 3490 – 3800 MHz |
| Italy | TIM, Vodafone, WindTre | 3600 – 3800 MHz |
| China | China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom | 3300 – 3600 MHz |
| India | Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea | 3300 – 3670 MHz |
| Australia | Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | 3500 – 3800 MHz |
| South Korea | SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus | 3500 – 3700 MHz |
| Japan | NTT Docomo, SoftBank, KDDI | 3400 – 3800 MHz |
💡 Note: Some regions may use different parts of the C-band (n77, n78, or n79) based on regulatory allocations.
Band n78 vs. Other 5G Bands
| Feature | n78 (3.5 GHz) | Low-band (n71, n28 – 600/700 MHz) | mmWave (n258, n260 – 26 GHz+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 1 Gbps | ~100–300 Mbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Coverage | Moderate | Excellent (long-range) | Very limited (short-range) |
| Penetration | Good | Best (indoor-friendly) | Poor (walls, trees block signal) |
| Use Case | Urban/Suburban, balanced performance | Rural areas, nationwide 5G | High-speed city hotspots |
Band n78 is the most practical for everyday use, while low-band expands rural coverage and mmWave provides extreme speeds in dense areas.
Is Band n78 the Future of 5G?
Yes! Band n78 is the foundation of most 5G deployments worldwide.
✔ It provides a perfect balance between speed and coverage.
✔ It is already supported by most smartphones and 5G networks.
✔ It will remain a key band as 5G continues expanding globally.