Mobile Phone Technology

The frequencies used for mobile phone technology range from 700 MHz to 3.8 GHz, with 26 GHz also becoming available. These frequencies have different characteristics and, as such, are used for different purposes in data transmission. In fact, 4G and 5G use a range of frequencies to match the characteristics of the waves to the demands of the networks.

• The lower frequencies used for mobile communications range from 700 MHz to 900 MHz. They can travel long distances — typically 5 km from the mast — but carry less data; the amount of data sent is proportional to the frequency. These frequencies are used to increase coverage. They can also travel through the walls of our houses without significant data loss.
• To cater for higher data demands, particularly in 5G, frequencies between 3.4 GHz and 3.8 GHz are used. These have a much higher data transfer rate (around five times that of the lower frequencies), but they travel shorter distances of up to 1 km rather than 5 km. These waves are used to increase capacity in busy areas, such as city centres. However, they lose a significant amount of their power when travelling through homes, especially brick walls.
• Mobile communications use waves of 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2.6 GHz, which have characteristics that lie between those of the two types of 5G waves discussed above.
• One of the initial 5G technologies was mmWave. These operate at 26 GHz and potentially 40 GHz. They will travel 100 metres or so, and even less outdoors, but they will have a much larger data capacity. As of 31 July 2026, Ofcom has release these waves for use in mobile communications in the UK. Each of the mobile operators have some of these waves available to them. Due to the properties of these waves, they will probably be used for very specific purposes and not for general customer mobile phone use.

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