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In US federal law, the 700 MHz band spans 698–806 MHz. That definition is specific to the United States: other countries organize spectrum differently, and “700 MHz” does not by itself identify a technology, operator, or single use.
What does 700 MHz mean?
MHz, or megahertz, is a unit of frequency. “700 MHz” is a convenient name for a range of radio frequencies, not one exact frequency. The US statutory definition sets the range at 698–806 MHz (47 U.S.C. § 1401).
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The range includes multiple allocations and service segments. It is not one uninterrupted block available for one purpose, and the label alone does not mean LTE, 5G, public safety, or television.
How is the US 700 MHz band divided?
The FCC identifies several distinct portions within the band. Its listed Lower and Upper 700 MHz service segments and public-safety portions are:
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| FCC segment | Frequency range |
|---|---|
| Lower 700 MHz Service | 698–746 MHz |
| Upper 700 MHz service portion | 746–758 MHz |
| Public safety | 758–775 MHz |
| Upper 700 MHz service portion | 775–788 MHz |
| Public safety | 788–805 MHz |
| Upper 700 MHz service portion | 805–806 MHz |
These are FCC-identified segments, not a claim that each segment has an identical license or operating arrangement. The FCC describes the band’s primary allocations as fixed, mobile, and broadcasting, across broader allocation ranges that include 698–763 MHz and 775–793 MHz. Allocation and national band plans determine how spectrum is used; the statutory endpoints do not make every frequency interchangeable (FCC 23-22).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does “700 MHz” mean the same thing in every country?
No. The US definition is not a universal band plan. For example, Ofcom’s UK mobile-spectrum table lists 703–733 MHz for uplink and 738–758 MHz for downlink in its 700 MHz row; it also lists 758–788 MHz within that row. Those UK mobile entries are not a substitute for the US statutory definition. Ofcom’s table was last updated 6 May 2026 (Ofcom frequency and technical information).
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- MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE. Choose Name + Frequency in the two-channel view. Dual Watch alternates one receiver between the two displayed channels. Turn Dual Watch off and enable Single Watch for a full-screen view of one channel's name, zone, and frequency. Approximate dBm adds signal context.
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- TRI-BAND AMATEUR TRANSMIT. RECEIVE-ONLY LISTENING. Valid amateur authorization is required to transmit on amateur frequencies in the U.S.; use only supported amateur bands within your privileges. Airband AM, NOAA weather, and broadcast FM are receive-only.
The ITU likewise describes the US 700 MHz band plan as 698–806 MHz and notes that national plans can differ, including in uplink and downlink assignments. Such differences can require coordination near borders (ITU-R Report M.2480-1).
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What does the band label tell you—and what does it not?
- It tells you a frequency range only when the jurisdiction is specified. In US federal law, that range is 698–806 MHz.
- It does not identify one service. Commercial, guard-band, and public-safety spectrum are among the distinct segments and uses described by the FCC.
- It does not establish device compatibility. A device must support the relevant frequencies and the applicable national band plan; the phrase “700 MHz” alone is insufficient.
- It does not establish coverage distance or building penetration. Those outcomes cannot be inferred from the band name alone.
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