As 5G networks continue to expand worldwide, different countries have allocated specific frequency bands for their 5G deployments.
These 5G bands determine network speed, coverage, and device compatibility, making it essential for consumers and businesses to understand which bands are used in their region.
This article provides a detailed comparison of 5G bands by country, covering the low-band, mid-band, and high-band (mmWave) frequencies used for 5G networks.
Table of Contents
Understanding 5G Bands: Low, Mid, and High Frequency Ranges
5G networks are classified into three main frequency categories:
- Low-band 5G (<1 GHz): Long-range coverage but slower speeds (~100–300 Mbps).
- Mid-band 5G (1 GHz – 6 GHz): Balanced speed and coverage (~300 Mbps – 1 Gbps).
- High-band 5G (mmWave, 24 GHz – 100 GHz): Super-fast speeds (~1–10 Gbps) but short range.
Below is a country-wise breakdown of 5G frequency bands and their respective allocations.
5G Frequency Bands by Country
| Country/Region | Low-Band 5G (Sub-1 GHz) | Mid-Band 5G (1–6 GHz) | High-Band 5G (mmWave) (24 GHz+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | n71 (600 MHz), n28 (700 MHz) | n41 (2.5 GHz), n77/n78 (3.7 – 4.2 GHz, C-Band) | n260 (39 GHz), n261 (28 GHz) |
| Canada | n71 (600 MHz), n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz), n79 (4.9 GHz) | Planned future mmWave deployment |
| United Kingdom | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz), n77 (3.7 GHz) | n258 (26 GHz) |
| Germany | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz), n1 (2.1 GHz) | n258 (26 GHz) |
| France | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz), n1 (2.1 GHz) | n258 (26 GHz) |
| Italy | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.7 GHz), n1 (2.1 GHz) | n258 (26 GHz) |
| Spain | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz), n77 (3.7 GHz) | n258 (26 GHz) |
| China | n28 (700 MHz), n5 (850 MHz) | n41 (2.5 GHz), n78 (3.5 GHz), n79 (4.9 GHz) | n257 (26 GHz) |
| Japan | n28 (700 MHz) | n77 (3.7 GHz), n78 (3.5 GHz) | n257 (26 GHz) |
| South Korea | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz) | n257 (26 GHz) |
| India | n28 (700 MHz) | n77 (3.7 GHz), n78 (3.5 GHz) | mmWave bands not widely deployed yet |
| Australia | n28 (700 MHz) | n78 (3.5 GHz) | n257 (26 GHz) |
Key Takeaways
✔ Most countries use n78 (3.5 GHz) as their primary mid-band 5G frequency for high-speed connectivity.
✔ Low-band 5G (700 MHz, n28) is widely used for broader coverage in rural areas.
✔ The United States is leading in mmWave (n260, n261) for ultra-fast 5G speeds, but most countries have yet to deploy mmWave widely.
✔ China, Japan, and South Korea use n79 (4.9 GHz) and n257 (26 GHz) for additional high-speed 5G connectivity.
✔ C-Band (n77/n78, 3.5 – 4.2 GHz) is emerging as the global standard for 5G due to its balance between speed and coverage.
Why 5G Band Compatibility Matters
When buying a 5G phone or switching networks, it’s important to check which 5G bands your device supports to ensure compatibility with your carrier. Some international 5G devices may not work in certain regions due to differences in frequency allocations.
How to Check 5G Band Support for Your Phone:
- Look up your phone’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
- Check for supported 5G bands (e.g., n71, n78, n260).
- Compare them with the bands used in your country (table above).
The picture below shows 5G bands for the iPhone 16
Conclusion
5G bands vary by country, with n78 (3.5 GHz) being the most common worldwide. While some regions focus on low-band 5G for coverage, others are investing in mmWave for ultra-fast speeds. Understanding these bands helps consumers choose the right device and businesses optimize their networks for better connectivity and performance.
A 5G Phone from Motorola