Guide to 5G Frequencies: What They Mean & How They Operate

If you’ve ever wondered why your 5G signal feels lightning-fast in one area but slower in another, the answer lies in 5G frequency bands – the invisible airwaves that power our mobile connections.

Understanding these cellular frequency bands can help you see how your phone connects to the network, why some signals reach farther than others, and even how to know which 5G band you’re using.

Let’s explore the basics of 5G frequencies, what makes them different from 4G LTE, and how many frequency bands there actually are.

What Are 5G Frequency Bands?

Every mobile network operates on specific slices of the radio frequency spectrum – think of them as digital highways that carry data between cellular carriers, towers, and your device.

A frequency band for 5G determines two key things:

• Speed – higher frequencies can handle more data, offering faster connections.
• Range – lower frequencies travel farther and penetrate walls more effectively.

These cellular frequencies are measured in megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz), and they’re divided into ranges that 5G technology uses to deliver better speed and reliability.

What Frequency Does 5g Use? – The Three Main Frequency Ranges for 5G

Modern 5G networks do not use just one frequency but three broad ranges, often called “bands.” These bands include frequencies from 600 MHz to over 40 GHz, depending on coverage area, network capacity, and population density.

1. Low-Band 5G (600–800 MHz)

Low-band frequencies, such as 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands, are the foundation of nationwide coverage in the United States.

• Range: Travels long distances, even across rural and suburban areas.
• Speed: Slower compared to higher bands, typically similar to 4G LTE speeds.
• Coverage: Ideal for wide coverage and stable connections indoors.

Most carriers deploy low-band 5G first because it reaches more people with fewer towers – it’s the workhorse of early 5G rollouts.

2. Mid-Band 5G (1 GHz–6 GHz)

Mid-band 5G hits the sweet spot between speed and range. Common examples include 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and C-band frequencies.

• Range: Moderate, covering large cities and highways effectively.
• Speed: Much faster than 4G LTE – capable of hundreds of Mbps.
• Coverage: Great for urban areas where users need faster mobile data.

This range is often referred to as the Sub-6 GHz spectrum and is what many major carriers now use for everyday 5G service.

3. High-Band 5G (24–40 GHz)

Known as millimeter wave (mmWave), these high bands include 24 GHz, 26 GHz, 28 GHz, and 39 GHz frequencies.

• Range: Short – signals can be blocked by walls or trees.
• Speed: Extremely fast, offering multi-gigabit connections.
• Coverage: Perfect for dense urban areas, stadiums, and airports.

High-band 5G delivers the “wow” factor in speed but requires a dense network of small antennas to maintain coverage.

How Many 5G Bands Are There?

When it comes to how many 5G bands there are, the number depends on the country and carrier. Globally, there are more than 80 identified 5G frequency bands, divided into two major categories:

• FR1 (Frequency Range 1): Covers Sub-6 GHz frequencies, including 600 MHz–6 GHz.
• FR2 (Frequency Range 2): Encompasses mmWave frequencies, from 24 GHz to 52 GHz.

In the U.S., mobile carriers mainly use:

• Low-band: 600 MHz (Band n71), 700 MHz (Band n12, n13, n14)
• Mid-band: 2.5 GHz (Band n41), 3.7 GHz (Band n77, n78)
• High-band: 24 GHz (Band n258), 28 GHz (Band n261), 39 GHz (Band n260)

As 5G NR (New Radio) technology evolves, carriers continue expanding into additional band frequencies to balance coverage and speed.

5G vs 4G LTE – What’s Different About the Frequencies?

While 4G LTE networks use lower cellular frequency bands (mainly below 2.5 GHz), 5G introduces higher frequencies that allow for much faster data transmission.

Here’s a quick comparison:

This combination means 5G can deliver fiber-like speeds with low latency, especially in the mid-band and high-band ranges.

How to Know Which 5G Band You’re Using

Ever wonder, “How do I know which 5G band I’m using?” There are a few ways to check, depending on your device and carrier:

1. Use your phone’s field test mode.
   1. On iPhone: Dial 3001#12345# and look for “NR ARFCN” (the band number).
   2. On Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > SIM Status or use apps like Network Cell Info Lite.
2. Check your carrier’s coverage map.
   Many carriers identify low-, mid-, or high-band 5G coverage areas on their maps.
3. Use third-party tools.
   Apps such as CellMapper or Network Signal Guru show active 5G frequencies and tower information near you.

Knowing your 5G frequency band can help explain why your speed changes when you move between neighborhoods or buildings – lower bands travel farther, while higher ones offer better speeds in open areas.

Why 5G Bands Matter for Everyday Users

You don’t have to be a network engineer to appreciate how cellular frequency bands affect your experience. Here’s why they matter:

• Performance: The frequency band for 5G determines your internet speed and signal strength.
• Device Compatibility: Not all mobile devices support every band, so it’s worth checking your phone’s compatibility using its unique 15-digit IMEI number.
• Coverage: Rural areas often rely on low-band 5G, while cities use a mix of mid-band and high-band frequencies.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right mobile network or plan for your needs – especially if you depend on your phone for work, gaming, or streaming.

The Future of 5G Frequencies

As technology advances, more cellular carriers are expected to expand their 5G frequency bands to support next-generation features like connected cars, smart homes, and virtual reality.

In the coming years, networks will rely on a layered approach – combining low-, mid-, and high-bands to create a balance of range, speed, and reliability. This approach, often called “spectrum aggregation,” ensures you stay connected even when moving between different coverage areas.

Powering Your 5G Experience with MaxxMobile from Buckeye Broadband

MaxxMobile from Buckeye Broadband brings the full strength of 5G to the moments that matter most. With reliable mobile plans paired with Buckeye’s high-speed internet plans, you get the speed, stability, and coverage you need to stream, game, work, and stay connected wherever life takes you.

It’s a seamless experience built for real-world use – strong at home, steady on the go, and backed by a local team that puts your connection first.

Explore MaxxMobile today to find the 5G plan that fits your life and keeps every device running at its best.