NTN  

 

 

 

NTN Spectrum

This note outlines the frequency ranges and channel arrangements used for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), as defined in the current release of the 3GPP specifications. These operating bands provide a framework for organizing the communication frequencies to ensure seamless operation of NTN systems, such as satellites, High-Altitude Platforms (HAPS), and other space-based systems.

General Spectrum/Frequency Range

The defined operating bands and channel bandwidths are established for NTN systems within the current release of 3GPP standards. Future releases may add new operating bands or expand bandwidth specifications, making the framework adaptable to evolving NTN technologies and requirements.

Frequency ranges for NTN systems are divided into distinct bands to accommodate different operational requirements, performance needs, and regulatory constraints.

Specification baseline: 3GPP TS 38.101-5 V19.0.0 (2025-03), Release 19.

38.101-5 - Table 5.1-1: Definition of NTN frequency ranges
Frequency range designation Corresponding frequency range
FR1-NTN (Note 1) 410 MHz - 7125 MHz
FR2-NTN (Note 2) 17300 MHz - 30000 MHz
Note 1: NTN bands within this frequency range are regarded as an FR1 band when referenced from other specifications.
Note 2: NTN bands within this frequency range are regarded as an FR2-1 band when referenced from other specifications, unless otherwise stated.

Operating Bands

3GPP specifies NTN satellite operating bands in both FR1-NTN and FR2-NTN.

NOTE : All bands listed in this release use FDD. Downlink channel reciprocity therefore cannot be assumed from uplink SRS measurements.

38.101-5 - Table 5.2.2-1: NTN satellite bands in FR1-NTN
NTN satellite operating band Uplink operating band
Satellite Access Node receive / UE transmit
FUL,low - FUL,high		 Downlink operating band
Satellite Access Node transmit / UE receive
FDL,low - FDL,high		 Duplex mode
n256 1980 MHz - 2010 MHz 2170 MHz - 2200 MHz FDD
n255 1626.5 MHz - 1660.5 MHz 1525 MHz - 1559 MHz FDD
n254 1610 MHz - 1626.5 MHz 2483.5 MHz - 2500 MHz FDD
Note: NTN satellite bands are numbered in descending order from n256.
38.101-5 - Table 5.2.3-1: Satellite operating bands in FR2-NTN
Satellite operating band Uplink operating band
SAN receive / UE transmit
FUL,low - FUL,high		 Downlink operating band
SAN transmit / UE receive
FDL,low - FDL,high		 Duplex mode
n512 (Note 1) 27500 MHz - 30000 MHz 17300 MHz - 20200 MHz FDD
n511 (Note 2) 28350 MHz - 30000 MHz 17300 MHz - 20200 MHz FDD
n510 (Note 3) 27500 MHz - 28350 MHz 17300 MHz - 20200 MHz FDD
Note 1: This band is applicable in countries subject to or referring to CEPT ECC Decision (05)01 and ECC Decision (13)01.
Note 2: This band is applicable in countries subject to or referring to FCC 47 CFR Part 25.
Note 3: This band is applicable for Earth Station operations in the USA subject to FCC 47 CFR Part 25. FCC rules currently do not include ESIM operations in this band (47 CFR 25.202).

3GPP Reference

Other References