In Germany, 5G services are provided by several carriers, each using specific frequency bands allocated by the Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), the Federal Network Agency. Here’s an overview of the 5G frequency bands in Germany and the carriers utilizing them:
5G Frequency Bands in Germany
Low-Band (Sub-1 GHz)
- 700 MHz (n28): Offers extensive coverage and good penetration in buildings.
- 800 MHz (n20): Used for broader rural coverage, providing better indoor penetration.
Mid-Band (1 GHz – 6 GHz)
- 1800 MHz (n3): Widely used for 4G and now also for 5G, balancing coverage and capacity.
- 2100 MHz (n1): Another band repurposed from 4G for improved 5G services.
- 2600 MHz (n7): Higher capacity with moderate coverage, also shared with 4G.
- 3400-3800 MHz (n77/n78): Primary 5G band in Germany, providing significant capacity and decent coverage, ideal for urban areas.
High-Band (mmWave, above 24 GHz)
- 26 GHz (n258): Reserved for future deployment, supports ultra-high speeds in dense areas.
Major Carriers and Their 5G Bands:
Deutsche Telekom
- 700 MHz (n28)
- 1800 MHz (n3)
- 2100 MHz (n1)
- 3500 MHz (n78) Deutsche Telekom focuses on a mix of low and mid-band frequencies to provide comprehensive coverage and capacity.
Vodafone Germany
- 700 MHz (n28)
- 800 MHz (n20)
- 1800 MHz (n3)
- 2100 MHz (n1)
- 3500 MHz (n78) Vodafone uses a combination of low and mid-bands, leveraging their existing infrastructure for 4G.
O2 (Telefónica Germany)
- 700 MHz (n28)
- 1800 MHz (n3)
- 2100 MHz (n1)
- 3500 MHz (n78) O2 has deployed a range of bands to enhance both urban and rural coverage.
1&1 Drillisch
- 700 MHz (n28)
- 1800 MHz (n3)
- 3500 MHz (n78) 1&1 Drillisch, a newer entrant in the 5G market, focuses on key bands for balanced coverage and capacity.
Summary of 5G Bands by Carrier
- Deutsche Telekom: Offers a robust mix of low, mid, and high-capacity bands for extensive 5G coverage.
- Vodafone Germany: Utilizes a comprehensive set of bands to provide both broad coverage and high-speed connectivity.
- O2: Focuses on efficient use of its spectrum to deliver consistent 5G services across various environments.
- 1&1 Drillisch: Prioritizes key bands to optimize its entry into the 5G market with balanced services.
References
- Bundesnetzagentur – 5G Frequencies
- Deutsche Telekom 5G Network
- Vodafone Germany 5G Network
- O2 Telefónica Germany 5G
- 1&1 Drillisch 5G Information
Related Posts
- UK 5G Frequencies
- Australia 5G Frequency Bands
- mmWave vs Sub-6 GHz 5G – what’s the difference?
- Canada 5G Bands
- USA 5G Bands
These bands and carrier deployments illustrate the strategic use of 5G spectrum to deliver enhanced mobile connectivity across Germany.