5G NR frequency bands

Lore & Background

5G NR operates in two primary frequency ranges. Frequency Range 1 (FR1) originally included sub-6 GHz bands, some used by previous standards, and was later extended to cover 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. Frequency Range 2 (FR2) covers 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz. In 2023, the World Radio Conference proposed Frequency Range 3 (FR3), spanning 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz, but as of September 2024 this band had not been added to the official standard. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are allocated spectrum in both the sub-6 GHz range and the 17.3 GHz to 30 GHz range.

Reader's Guide

The definition of 5G NR frequency bands is central to the deployment and operation of 5G networks worldwide. By dividing spectrum into FR1 and FR2, the standard accommodates both wide-area coverage (using lower frequencies) and high-capacity, short-range links (using millimeter waves). The extension of FR1 to include frequencies from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz allows for use of new spectrum offerings and legacy bands. The proposal of FR3 (7.125–24.25 GHz) by the World Radio Conference in 2023 indicates ongoing efforts to open mid-band spectrum for 5G, though it remains unofficial. Non-terrestrial network bands enable satellite-based connectivity, extending 5G coverage to remote areas. The shared band numbering with LTE simplifies multi-standard operation. The 3GPP TS 38 series, with Rel. 19 as the latest published version, provides the authoritative list of these bands and their channel bandwidths.

Did You Know?

• 5G NR bands are prefixed with 'n' and share band numbers with overlapping 4G LTE bands.
• Frequency Range 1 originally included sub-6 GHz bands and was later extended to 410–7125 MHz.
• Frequency Range 3 (7.125–24.25 GHz) was proposed in 2023 but not yet added to the official standard as of September 2024.
• Non-terrestrial networks use spectrum in sub-6 GHz and 17.3–30 GHz ranges.