For many, cell phone frequencies and bands might seem like a complex combination of letters and numbers. Yet, grasping some basics about these frequencies can be beneficial, especially if you're considering switching carriers and taking your existing device with you. This is because your phone needs to be compatible with the frequencies of your new carrier.
We'll explore straightforward methods to determine phone and carrier compatibility, delve into the frequencies and bands of major networks, and highlight the main network technologies in use today; 4G LTE, and 5G.
U.S. Cell Phone Frequencies and Bands
The major networks in the U.S. belong to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) sell discounted service on the major carrier cell phone networks. The table below shows which 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G bands and frequencies these carriers offer. Figuring out which and how many of these signals your device works on will determine if you can use your phone on the given network and whether you'll have a good experience on that network.
Carrier frequencies and bands
| Carrier | 3G frequencies | 4G bands | 5G bands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | CDMA 800, 1900 PCS | 2, 4, 5, 13*, 66 | n40, n26-, n261, n2, n5, n66 |
| AT&T | GSMA/HSPA/HSPA+ 1900 MHz, 850 MHz | 2, 4, 5, 12*, 14, 17*, 29, 30, 66 | n260, n5 |
| T-Mobile | GSM/HSPA/HSPA+ 1900 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz | 2*, 4*, 5, 12*, 66, 71* |
n41, n260, n261, n71 |
* carrier's main band; phone must be compatible with at least one main band to work on network
Bands, Frequencies, and Phone Compatibility
Cell phone frequencies and bands determine whether your phone will work on specific networks. This is becoming less of an issue as most modern phones are being built with a wider range of frequencies and bands to support all major 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks. Older phones, however, may not be compatible across all networks (especially 3G networks), which is why it's still necessary to make sure your phone is compatible with a new carrier’s cell phone plan before making the switch.
There is certainly a lot to learn about cell phone frequencies and bands, but for the most part, typical users just want to know whether or not their phone will work on different cellular networks.
Compatibility Checklist
In addition to checking coverage, you’ll want to make sure your phone works on a new carrier’s network before switching. Digging around to find out which frequencies and bands your phone is compatible with and matching them with the frequencies used by any given carrier may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, nearly all carriers have compatibility tools that help you quickly determine if your phone will work on their networks.
To check the compatibility between your phone and a new carrier, you’ll likely take these simple steps:
- Find the carrier’s compatibility checker on its website.
- Provide any necessary information, like your phone’s IMEI number. You can find your IMEI in your phone’s settings or by dialing *#06#.
You can also use our cell phone search tool and select "Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)" to check which carriers and networks are compatible with your phone.
Cell Phone Frequencies vs. Bands
Bands and frequencies are the radio signals carriers send out that your cell phone connects to make calls and use data. Frequency measures the number of vibrations that travel through the air over a single second to produce a wave—the more vibrations, the higher the frequency. You'll see frequencies measured in hertz (Hz).
A band is a range of frequencies within a specific signal, from the lowest limit to the highest limit. Some of these frequency waves can travel extremely far, yet others can only reach shorter distances. Some can also easily penetrate through objects, like walls, while others cannot.
4G LTE, and 5G networks employ both bands and frequencies. From a terminology standpoint, bands are associated with 4G LTE and 5G networks, while frequencies are associated with 3G networks.
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4G LTE vs. 5G Cell Phone Networks
Today, carriers provide cell phone service, like unlimited plans, using two generations of network technologies. These are 4G LTE and 5G.
4G LTE
Image credit: PhoneArena, data by Tutela as of 2019
No longer the baby of network technologies, 4G LTE still dominates as the network that provides our smartphones with broadband internet. What’s more, nearly all phones work with each of the major 4G LTE networks. Phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung now make it a point to provide wide ranges of LTE bands, and there is a lot of overlap in the LTE bands used by the major carriers. Your phone’s 4G LTE bands almost certainly work with all carriers.
4G LTE bands and frequencies: 700 MHz: Band 71 (600 MHz), Bands 12/14/13/17/29 (700 MHz), Band 5 (850MHz), Bands 4 and 66, (1700/2100 MHz), Band 2 (1900 MHz), Band 30 (2300 MHz), Band 48 (3.5GHz), Band 46 (5.2 GHz)
Verizon has the best 4G LTE network in the country. Here are some of the best plans you can find on the Verizon network:
|
#1
|
Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#2
|
XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
|
#3
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
|
#4
|
Verizon
Unlimited Plus
$70.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
#5
|
Twigby Mobile
Unlimited Talk, Text and 2GB Data
$5.00/mo
for the first 3 months then $15.00/month
|
5G Networks
Image credit: Nokia
Before the fifth mobile network generation (5G) launched, immense anticipation existed for a new network technology standard capable of providing mobile gigabit data. Greater mobile bandwidth could serve as the catalyst for absolute connectivity, paving the road for technology such as fully autonomous cars, which require a fast and reliable infrastructure.
We're now at a place where each of the three big providers can claim nationwide 5G coverage, and pretty much any phone being released these days is compatible with 5G networks. Still, 5G remains in the early stages of its life with plenty of room to grow.
5G bands and frequencies: Band n71 (600 MHz), Band n5 (850 MHz), Band n66 (1700/2100 MHz), Band n2 (1900 MHz), Band n41 (2.5 GHz), Band n2 (3.4 GHz), Band n77 (3.7 GHz), Band n258 (24 GHz), Band 261 (28 GHz), Band n260 (39 GHz), Band n262 (47 GHz)
T-Mobile currently reigns as the king of 5G. Here are some of the best plans you can find on the T-Mobile 5G network:
|
#1
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
|
#2
|
T-Mobile
Essentials Saver
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
|
|
#3
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#5
|
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$40 Period Unlimited Plan
$40.00/mo
Taxes and regulatory fees included.
|
What happened to 3G?
It wasn't that long ago when switching between carriers meant having to worry about whether your phone was GSM or CDMA. Those days are gone. GSM and CDMA were associated with 3G networks. Even with 4G LTE, 3G was still used for most calls and SMS texts. All three of the major carriers have sunsetted 3G.
Cell Phone Bands, Frequencies, and Networks: FAQs
What are the different cellular networks?
The different cellular networks include:
- 4G LTE
- 5G
What is a cellular network?
A cellular network is a radio network made of a series of cell sites or cell towers that send and receive signals to mobile devices like your smartphone.
What does IMEI have to do with cell frequencies?
For many carrier compatibility tools, you can use your IMEI to determine if your phone’s frequencies are compatible with that carrier’s network. Your phone must use the same frequencies as any potential mobile carrier you wish to switch to.
Do I need to get a new SIM card when switching carriers?
Yes. There was a time when having a CDMA phone meant not having a SIM card. At that time, switching from one CDMA carrier to another did not involve switching SIM cards in your phone. However, 4G LTE does require SIM cards, resulting in all modern phones using them. When you switch carriers, your new carrier will typically send you a new SIM card at no additional fee (or for a very minimal fee).
What if my phone frequencies aren’t compatible with a carrier?
If your phone doesn’t work on a carrier’s network, you should first shop around to see if there are other carriers with similar plans that you can switch to and BYOD. However, if you want to sign on to a carrier and your current device will not work, consider purchasing a phone with that carrier’s finance plans. Major carriers usually offer no-interest financing for new phones, while smaller carriers typically have third-party partners that may charge interest when financing your new device.
Which carriers work on both GSM & CDMA technology?
Most carriers operate on GSM or CDMA, but not many support both technologies—the phone is locked to the type of technology rather than the carrier. Most carriers operate on the big networks of T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon, so they tend to offer only one type of technology. This means your phone will be compatible with some carriers but not all. This is important when you have a phone you want to keep after you've switched carriers—this is the relevant factor when choosing a new carrier If you have a phone that supports GSM or CDMA, you can now use the same carrier regardless of the technology your phone uses.
Can I use the 6G network?
The 6G network doesn't exist yet, so it's not something your phone can use. However, it is expected to be the next step in wireless connection following 5G and it could emerge by 2030.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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