Band n28 (5G NR, 700 MHz APT)
Understanding Band n28
Band n28 is to the Asia-Pacific 5G landscape what Band n71 is to the US and Band n20 is to Europe: the foundational low-band coverage layer. At 700 MHz, propagation is 9.5 dB better than at 2100 MHz and 14 dB better than at 3500 MHz, enabling cell radii of 8 to 15 km in flat rural terrain. The 45 MHz paired allocation is the widest of any low-band, allowing 10 to 20 MHz NR carriers.
In Australia, Telstra and Optus deploy n28 to provide 5G across vast remote areas. In Europe, n28 is being deployed as part of the 700 MHz second digital dividend alongside existing n20 (800 MHz). The band also serves as Supplemental Uplink for n78, using the better uplink link budget at 700 MHz while receiving high-bandwidth downlink at 3.5 GHz.
Band n28 Technical Parameters
UL: 703 – 748 MHz (45 MHz)
DL: 758 – 803 MHz (45 MHz)
Duplex spacing: 55 MHz
Coverage Advantage:
vs. 2100 MHz (n1): −9.5 dB path loss
vs. 3500 MHz (n78): −14.0 dB path loss
Rural cell radius: 8–15 km
SUL Configuration:
UL: n28 (700 MHz) | DL: n78 (3.5 GHz)
Coverage extension: 30–50%
Global Low-Band 5G Comparison
| NR Band | Frequency | Paired BW | Primary Region | Operator Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n28 | 703-803 MHz | 45 MHz | APAC, EU | Telstra, Optus, Orange |
| n71 | 617-698 MHz | 35 MHz | US, Canada | T-Mobile |
| n20 | 791-862 MHz | 30 MHz | Europe | Vodafone, DT |
| n5 | 824-894 MHz | 25 MHz | US | AT&T, Verizon |
| n8 | 880-960 MHz | 35 MHz | Europe, APAC | Refarmed GSM 900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Band n28 deployed for 5G?
Australia (Telstra, Optus), New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and European second digital dividend countries (France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia). 45 MHz paired supports 10 to 20 MHz NR carriers for 30 to 100 Mbps throughput.
How does Band n28 compare to Band n71?
n28 (700 MHz, 45 MHz paired) is used globally outside the US. n71 (600 MHz, 35 MHz paired) is US-only. n28 has 0.6 dB more path loss but 10 MHz more bandwidth. Both provide excellent rural coverage (8 to 15 km) and building penetration. Choice depends on regulatory allocation.
Can Band n28 serve as Supplemental Uplink?
Yes. n28 SUL for n78: device receives on n78 (3.5 GHz bandwidth) and transmits on n28 (700 MHz link budget), extending n78 coverage by 30 to 50%. Particularly valuable in rural Australia and APAC where sites are widely spaced and uplink limits coverage.