Cellular Antenna Frequencies
Mobile phone and data signals are transmitted to and from cell towers by mobile phones and data modems via a cellular antenna. The carriers that provide these services use certain frequency radio waves to transmit and receive signals allowing your device to communicate wirelessly with other devices. To avoid interference, carriers use certain frequencies which are licensed (for a fee) for their exclusive use by the regulators in different countries. By law, no one else is allowed to use the licensed frequencies and therefore carriers such as Telstra, Optus and others are able to provide a more reliable wireless service free from interference.
The lower the frequency the better the signal transmits and penetrates through barriers such a building and trees. However, higher frequencies can carry more information.
Most wireless communication services operate in a frequency band from around 3KHz to 6000MHz. Cellular networks use radio frequencies of between 700MHz to 2700MHz which provide a balance between reliability and enough bandwidth for transmitting the large amounts of data required for such services.
Therefore the optimal frequency bands available to carriers are limited. As demand for wireless communications grows, carriers are forced to use multiple frequencies to provide faster and better services.
Here is a table showing cellular frequencies used in Australia. Carriers use one or more frequency bands to provide GSM, 3G and 4G services. Frequency bands used can vary depending upon the location.
| FREQUENCY TABLE | |||||||||
|
Service |
GSM |
3G |
3G |
3G |
4G |
4G |
4G |
4G |
4G |
|
Freq.(MHz) |
900 |
850 |
900 |
2100 |
700 |
900 |
1800 |
2300 |
2600 |
 |
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 |
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| Key: | |||||||||
| Used | Not Used | ||||||||
| Other carriers that use Telstra: Aldi, Boost, TeleChoice, Think Mobile, Woolworths | |||||||||
| Other carriers that use Optus: Virgin, iiNEt, Dodo, Amaysim, iPrimus, M2, TPG, Engin | |||||||||
| Other carriers that use Vodafone: GoTalk, Redbull Mobile, TPG | |||||||||
Check these links to find out more:
Cellular Antenna models
Selecting an Cellular antenna