In Sweden, mobile communication plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from calling and texting to using the internet. But have you ever wondered how your phone connects to the network and why some signals are stronger than others? The answer lies in mobile frequency bands.

Mobile frequency bands are the invisible highways through which mobile signals travel. These bands determine the quality and speed of your connection. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about mobile frequency bands in Sweden, from what they are to how they affect your mobile experience.

What are Mobile Frequency Bands?

Simply put, mobile frequency bands are specific ranges of frequencies that mobile networks use to transmit signals. These frequencies are measured in hertz (Hz), and they dictate how well your mobile signal can travel. The different bands vary in terms of range and speed. For example, higher frequencies often result in faster data speeds but shorter signal ranges, while lower frequencies provide better coverage but slower speeds.

Why Are Mobile Frequency Bands Important?

Frequency bands are essential for maintaining strong, fast, and reliable mobile connections. If you’ve ever noticed that your signal drops or speeds slow down when you travel, it’s because different regions use different frequency bands. Mobile service providers like Telia, Telenor, and Tele2 in Sweden rely on specific bands to ensure that their services work properly.

These frequency bands also affect the performance of new technologies such as 5G. The transition to 5G in Sweden has made understanding mobile frequency bands even more important, as new bands have been introduced to handle faster internet speeds.

Mobile Frequency Bands Table

Band Name Frequency Range Usage
Band 1 1920-1980 MHz (Uplink) 2100 MHz (Downlink)
Band 2 1850-1910 MHz (Uplink) 1930-1990 MHz (Downlink)
Band 3 1710-1785 MHz (Uplink) 1805-1880 MHz (Downlink)
Band 4 1710-1755 MHz (Uplink) 2110-2155 MHz (Downlink)
Band 5 824-849 MHz (Uplink) 869-894 MHz (Downlink)
Band 7 2620-2690 MHz (Uplink) 2500-2570 MHz (Downlink)
Band 8 880-915 MHz (Uplink) 925-960 MHz (Downlink)
Band 12 698-716 MHz (Uplink) 728-746 MHz (Downlink)
Band 13 777-787 MHz (Uplink) 746-756 MHz (Downlink)
Band 20 832-862 MHz (Uplink) 791-821 MHz (Downlink)
Band 28 703-748 MHz (Uplink) 758-803 MHz (Downlink)
Band 38 2570-2620 MHz (Uplink) 2570-2620 MHz (Downlink)
Band 40 2300-2400 MHz (Uplink) 2300-2400 MHz (Downlink)
Band 41 2496-2690 MHz (Uplink) 2496-2690 MHz (Downlink)

How to Read and Understand the Table

  1. Band Name: This column lists the names of various mobile frequency bands. Each band has a specific range of frequencies used for communication.

  2. Frequency Range: This column provides the frequency ranges for each band. The frequency range is split into Uplink and Downlink. Uplink refers to the frequencies used by your device to send data to the cell tower. Downlink refers to the frequencies used by the cell tower to send data to your device.
    • Uplink: The frequencies from your device to the cell tower.
    • Downlink: The frequencies from the cell tower to your device.

  3. Usage: This column indicates the technology or service associated with each band. It shows which technologies use these frequencies, such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, or 4G.

Types of Mobile Frequency Bands in Sweden

Sweden uses various mobile frequency bands for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Each technology uses different frequencies, and each band has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down the frequency bands commonly used in Sweden.

1. 2G (GSM) Frequency Bands:

2G networks were the first mobile networks to offer digital communication. While 2G is now outdated in most parts of Sweden, some regions still use it for basic calls and texts. The most common 2G frequency bands in Sweden are:

  • 900 MHz – This band provides good coverage over large areas, especially in rural regions.
  • 1800 MHz – Offers higher data speeds, but it’s less effective at covering long distances than the 900 MHz band.

2. 3G (UMTS) Frequency Bands:

The 3G network was a game-changer, offering faster internet speeds for browsing and video calling. In Sweden, the 3G networks use these frequency bands:

  • 900 MHz – Offers broader coverage, especially in rural areas.
  • 2100 MHz – Provides faster speeds but has a shorter range compared to 900 MHz.

While 3G networks are still operational in Sweden, they are slowly being replaced by 4G and 5G.

3. 4G (LTE) Frequency Bands:

4G networks in Sweden offer significantly faster data speeds, which makes them ideal for streaming and downloading large files. The following frequency bands are used for 4G:

  • 800 MHz – Provides great coverage and is ideal for rural areas with limited infrastructure.
  • 1800 MHz – Used for higher speeds in urban areas, making it perfect for day-to-day mobile use.
  • 2600 MHz – Offers high-speed data but is best for dense urban environments.

4. 5G Frequency Bands:

5G is the latest evolution in mobile network technology. It promises faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. Sweden has rolled out 5G services using the following bands:

  • 700 MHz – Offers good coverage and deep indoor penetration, perfect for widespread 5G use in both rural and urban areas.
  • 3.5 GHz – Delivers ultra-fast speeds but has a shorter range, making it ideal for high-density areas like cities.
  • 26 GHz – The highest band used for 5G, capable of providing incredibly fast speeds but is limited by distance and coverage.

How Do Mobile Frequency Bands Impact Your Signal?

The performance of your mobile connection is highly dependent on the frequency band being used. Here’s how different factors impact your mobile experience:

1. Coverage:

Lower frequency bands, such as 800 MHz and 900 MHz, can cover larger areas. These bands are perfect for rural and remote areas, where the network needs to cover a wider distance. If you live in a rural area in Sweden, you’ll likely have a better experience using mobile networks on these lower bands.

On the other hand, higher frequency bands like 2600 MHz or 26 GHz offer faster speeds but do not travel as far. This means that if you’re in an urban area, you’ll get faster data speeds but may experience weaker coverage in areas further away from the network tower.

2. Speed:

Higher frequency bands, like those used for 4G LTE (1800 MHz, 2600 MHz) and 5G (3.5 GHz, 26 GHz), can carry more data, resulting in faster internet speeds. These bands are often used in urban areas, where high-speed internet is crucial.

However, the range of these bands is shorter. So, while you can experience fast data speeds in urban areas, the signal may weaken as you move further away from the network infrastructure.

3. Signal Penetration:

Lower frequency bands also have better signal penetration through obstacles like buildings and trees. This makes them ideal for indoor coverage. For example, the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands used for 5G and 4G can provide reliable service even in basements or buildings with thick walls.

4. Latency:

Latency refers to the delay in transmitting data. Lower-frequency bands tend to have higher latency compared to higher-frequency bands. For activities that require real-time communication, such as gaming or video conferencing, lower latency is essential. 5G networks, with their use of high-frequency bands like 3.5 GHz, aim to drastically reduce latency for smoother user experiences.

How Mobile Carriers Use Frequency Bands in Sweden

In Sweden, several mobile carriers like Telia, Telenor, Tele2, and 3 have their own specific frequency bands. These carriers often share certain frequency bands to ensure that all users can access the network regardless of their provider.

For example:

  • Telia: Uses a combination of 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz for 4G, and 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz for 5G.
  • Telenor: Focuses on 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz for 4G, and has similar 5G bands to Telia.
  • Tele2: Uses 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz for 4G, and has a 5G presence in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands.
  • 3: 3 is known for providing fast services on 1800 MHz for 4G and uses 3.5 GHz for 5G.

How to Choose a Phone for Better Band Compatibility

Not all phones are compatible with every frequency band. If you’re planning to travel across Sweden or use a specific carrier, make sure your phone supports the frequency bands used by that provider. Most modern smartphones, especially those supporting 4G or 5G, are designed to work across multiple frequency bands.

When purchasing a new phone in Sweden, look for band compatibility in the specifications. Popular smartphone brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google make phones with wide frequency support, ensuring compatibility with Swedish mobile networks. If you have any questions regarding any of our products please contact our support team for complete assistance.