carriersfrequencies

Carrier frequencies refer to the specific radio frequencies used by mobile network operators to transmit and receive wireless signals. These frequencies are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are licensed by governments to ensure orderly use and prevent interference. Different mobile technologies and generations, such as 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G, operate on distinct sets of carrier frequencies.

In the context of mobile communications, a carrier frequency acts as a base signal onto which information, such as voice or data, is modulated. This modulation allows the information to be transmitted wirelessly over long distances. Each mobile operator is allocated a block of spectrum within specific frequency bands, such as the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1.7 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, depending on the technology being deployed.

The choice of carrier frequencies impacts network performance. Lower frequencies, like those in the sub-1 GHz range, are better at penetrating buildings and traveling long distances, offering wider coverage. Higher frequencies, such as those in the mmWave bands used for 5G, offer much higher bandwidth and faster speeds but have a shorter range and are more susceptible to obstructions. Mobile networks often use a combination of low, mid, and high-band frequencies to balance coverage and capacity. The specific carrier frequencies used by a device are determined by its compatibility with the network's available spectrum.