What Frequencies Do Cell Phone Carriers Use?

Cell phone tower.

Mobile carriers operate on various cell phone tower frequencies. These frequencies include individual calling frequencies and data frequencies that differ between providers. When purchasing a cell phone, knowing the available spectrum options supported by your carrier of choice is of the utmost importance.

AT&T Frequencies

AT&T operates its calling network on the 850Mhz GSM frequency, although some very select and remote areas still operate under the company's old 1900Mhz system. AT&T 3G data is run on the 1900Mhz frequency, with some of its data network backbones being converted to 850Mhz.

T-Mobile Calling Frequencies

T-Mobile operates its calling network on the 1900Mhz GSM spectrum. The T-Mobile 3G data network operates on the 1700 AWS spectrum.

Verizon WIreless Calling Frequencies

Verizon operates its calling network on the 850 and 1900mhz frequencies. Its EVDO (3G) data network also operates on the same 800mhz spectrum found on its calling network.

Sprint Calling Frequencies

Sprint Wireless operates on the CDMA 1900Mhz Spectrum. Sprint's EVDO (3G) data network also operates on the 1900Mhz spectrum.

Phone Frequency Geographical Considerations

In the United States the two frequencies used for calling abilities are 850mhz and 1900mhz, both on GSM and CDMA networks. Typical 3G networks also include 850 and 1900Mhz options, although T-Mobile operates its 3G network on the new 1700 AWS spectrum.

Potential for New Frequencies

Carriers from time to time will change their carrier frequencies (AT&T use to be 1900Mhz). Spectrum abilities must be bought during FCC auctions and lower frequencies allow for better calling and data reception. More frequencies may also open up as new data and calling technologies become available.

References

• Wireless Advisor: AT&T 3G Network
• Mobiledia: What Frequency Does Verizon Wireless Operate On
• Repeater Store: Sprint Calling Frequency Information