A phone that operates in Band 2 for instance, could be used on either Rogers or Telus. If you buy an unlocked phone for use on the Rogers or Telus network, it’s important to ensure that it operates in bands that are common to both networks. They would have to – otherwise there would be a lot of radio interference! Phones on the Telus network would also use frequencies within this range that are different from those used by Rogers phones. So phones on the Rogers network would use a specific frequency within this range. from the base station to the cell phone.Ĭarriers such as Rogers and Telus operate their systems within these bands. The frequency range 1930-1990 MHz is used for communication in the reverse direction – i.e. The frequency range 1850-1910 MHz is used to communicate from the cell phone to the base station. How is it possible for carriers to utilize the same band?įirst it’s important here to distinguish between these bands and actual frequency ranges. For instance, Rogers and Telus both use band 2. When you read this table you will notice that many carriers appear to be operating in the same band. Moreover bands are also typically licensed geographically.īelow is a list of carriers and the bands that they operate a specific technology in.

Strictly speaking though, a carrier will likely license only a portion of a band and is able to operate only in that specific region. Carriers have licensed bands of wireless spectrum and transmit wireless signals in these bands. We have compiled a list of Canadian carriers and the bands they operate in. Otherwise you might find, like I once did, that your phone simply won’t work! Canadian Wireless Carriers and Bands Whether you’re buying a new cellphone or a signal booster it is important to know what band your carrier operates in and ensure that the products you buy are able to operate in the same bands. 3G and 4G technologies that most people are familiar with, carriers purchase licenses to operate in specific bands, or regions of spectrum.

What are bands in cell phones and why are they important?Ī band is quite simply a range of spectrum. 5.6 What is the frequency band of 5G in Canada?.3 How is it possible for carriers to utilize the same band?.1 What are bands in cell phones and why are they important?.

Band 71 phones