UK 5G Frequency Bands

In the UK, 5G services are provided by several carriers, each utilizing specific frequency bands to deliver their services.

Here’s a detailed overview of the 5G frequency bands used in the UK and the respective carriers.

Table of Contents

5G Frequency Bands in the UK

Low-Band (Sub-1 GHz)

700 MHz (n28): Provides wide coverage with good penetration, especially indoors.

Mid-Band (1 GHz – 6 GHz)

800 MHz (n20): Originally used for 4G, now also supporting 5G.
1800 MHz (n3): Previously used for 4G, now repurposed for 5G.
2100 MHz (n1): A versatile band used for both 4G and 5G services.
2600 MHz (n7): Provides higher capacity with a moderate coverage range.
3400-3800 MHz (n77/n78): Key band for 5G, offering a balance between coverage and capacity.

High-Band (mmWave, above 24 GHz)

26 GHz (n258): Enables ultra-fast speeds and high capacity in densely populated areas. (Planned for future deployment).

Major Carriers and Their 5G Bands

EE (BT Group)

700 MHz (n28)
800 MHz (n20)
1800 MHz (n3)
2100 MHz (n1)
3400 MHz (n78)
3600-3800 MHz (n77) EE is leveraging a combination of low and mid-band frequencies to provide a mix of coverage and capacity.

Vodafone

800 MHz (n20)
900 MHz (n8)
1800 MHz (n3)
2100 MHz (n1)
2600 MHz (n7)
3400-3600 MHz (n78) Vodafone utilizes multiple mid-band frequencies to enhance its 5G services, especially in urban areas.

Three UK

800 MHz (n20)
1800 MHz (n3)
2100 MHz (n1)
3600-3800 MHz (n77)
3400-3600 MHz (n78) Three UK focuses heavily on the 3400 MHz to 3800 MHz bands to deliver high-speed 5G services.

O2 (Telefónica UK)

700 MHz (n28)
800 MHz (n20)
1800 MHz (n3)
2100 MHz (n1)
2300 MHz (n40)
3500 MHz (n78) O2 combines low, mid, and high-band frequencies to offer comprehensive 5G coverage.

Other Providers (MVNOs)

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the UK use the infrastructure of these major carriers and thus access the same 5G bands as their host networks.

Summary of 5G Bands by Carrier

EE: Extensive use of low and mid-band frequencies for balanced coverage and capacity.
Vodafone: Strong mid-band focus, particularly beneficial for urban high-density areas.
Three UK: Emphasis on the 3400 MHz to 3800 MHz range for robust 5G speeds.
O2: Diverse band usage to provide a mix of wide coverage and high-speed services.
MVNOs: Access 5G through their partnerships with major carriers.

References

These bands and carrier deployments illustrate the comprehensive 5G landscape in the UK, facilitating enhanced mobile connectivity across various regions.