LTE deployments use a wide range of frequency bands across the globe. There isn't a single set of bands used universally, as spectrum allocation varies from country to country and region to region. However, some bands are more commonly used than others.

Overview of Low-Frequency Bands (Sub-1 GHz):

Low-frequency bands are known for their excellent coverage and penetration capabilities, making them suitable for wide-area coverage in both urban and rural settings. These bands include:

• Band 8 (900 MHz): Widely used in Europe and Asia for its good coverage and penetration characteristics.
• Band 5 (850 MHz): Popular in North America and parts of Asia for its similar benefits to Band 8.
• Band 20 (800 MHz): Primarily used in Europe and parts of Asia, offering good coverage in rural areas.
• Band 12/17 (700 MHz): Used in North America for its ability to cover large areas and penetrate buildings.
• Band 28 (700 APT MHz): Used in parts of Asia-Pacific for its similar benefits to Band 12/17.

Overview of Mid-Frequency Bands (1 GHz - 3 GHz):

Mid-frequency bands provide a balance between coverage and capacity, making them ideal for use in urban and suburban environments. These bands include:

• Band 3 (1800 MHz): Widely used across Europe and Asia for its balance of capacity and coverage.
• Band 7 (2600 MHz): Commonly used in North America, Europe, and Asia for its higher capacity.
• Band 1 (2100 MHz): Primarily used in Europe and Asia, offering good capacity in urban areas.
• Band 4 (AWS-1): Used in North America for its higher capacity, often combined with lower bands.

Overview of High-Frequency Bands (Above 3 GHz):

High-frequency bands are utilized for their high capacity and data rates, although they have more limited coverage and penetration. These bands are often used in densely populated urban areas and include:

• Band 40 (2300 MHz TDD): Used in Asia-Pacific and parts of Europe for its high capacity.
• Band 38 (2600 MHz TDD): Primarily used in Asia-Pacific for its high capacity.
• Band 41 (2500 MHz TDD): Used in North America for its high capacity.
• Bands 42, 43, 48 (3.5 GHz): Increasingly being used for 5G deployments, but also utilized for LTE in some areas.

Important Considerations for LTE Frequency Bands:

When deploying LTE, it's essential to consider the differences between FDD and TDD bands, as well as the benefits of carrier aggregation. Key considerations include:

• FDD vs. TDD: LTE bands can be either Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) or Time Division Duplex (TDD). FDD bands use separate frequencies for uplink and downlink, while TDD bands use the same frequency but divide it into time slots for uplink and downlink.
• Carrier Aggregation: Modern LTE devices and networks can combine multiple bands (carrier aggregation) to increase speeds and capacity.

The specific bands used in a region can vary based on regulatory decisions, available spectrum, and network operator preferences. It's always best to consult resources like the Wikipedia page on LTE frequency bands for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Further Readings

• EUTRA Frequency band