sub6

Sub6, short for sub-six gigahertz, is a term used in mobile telecommunications to denote radio spectrum below 6 GHz. This portion of the spectrum includes a range of low-band frequencies, which offer wide coverage, and mid-band frequencies, which provide a balance of coverage and capacity. Sub-6 is commonly cited in discussions of 5G deployments, where it is contrasted with millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands that operate above 24 GHz.

In 5G networks, sub-6 GHz plays a central role because of its favorable propagation characteristics. Lower portions of the sub-6 spectrum penetrate buildings more effectively and require fewer base stations to cover a given area, making it suitable for nationwide and suburban coverage. Mid-band sub-6 frequencies enable higher data rates and greater network capacity, supporting dense urban environments and higher user throughput compared with traditional 4G. However, these bands generally offer lower peak speeds than mmWave.

Regulatory allocations and deployment vary by country, but common sub-6 bands include ranges around 600–700 MHz, 1.8–2.6 GHz, and 3.3–3.8 GHz. Operators often deploy sub-6 networks alongside mmWave in a tiered approach to optimize coverage and capacity. Sub-6 technology continues to evolve with updates to 5G standards and device support, and it remains a core component of many nationwide 5G strategies.