Band n40 (5G NR, 2300 MHz TDD)
Understanding Band n40
Band n40 at 2.3 GHz sits between the low-band coverage bands and the higher-capacity mid-band allocations. It provides a useful compromise: better propagation than 2.6 GHz or 3.5 GHz bands, with enough bandwidth (100 MHz) for substantial NR capacity. In India's massive mobile market (1.2 billion subscribers), n40 provides cost-effective 5G capacity where C-band spectrum was significantly more expensive per MHz at auction.
The TDD mode enables massive MIMO with channel reciprocity, and Indian operators deploy 32T32R or 64T64R panels on n40. The band sits adjacent to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, requiring careful filtering and guard bands. Most allocations end at 2370 to 2390 MHz to maintain a gap before Wi-Fi frequencies.
Band n40 Technical Parameters
2300 – 2400 MHz (100 MHz TDD)
India: Jio 2300-2320, Airtel 2320-2340 MHz
China Mobile: 2320-2370 MHz
Path Loss Comparison:
vs. n41 (2.5 GHz): −0.7 dB (slightly better)
vs. n78 (3.5 GHz): −3.7 dB (significantly better)
Urban cell radius: 1–3 km
NR Configuration:
SCS: 30 kHz | Max channel: 40 MHz
Massive MIMO: 32T32R or 64T64R
2.3 GHz Global Allocation
| Country | Allocation | Operators | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2300-2400 MHz | Jio, Airtel | LTE-TDD / 5G NR |
| China | 2320-2370 MHz | China Mobile | LTE-TDD / 5G NR |
| UK | 2350-2390 MHz | Three | LTE-TDD / 5G NR |
| Indonesia | 2300-2360 MHz | Telkomsel | LTE-TDD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Band n40 deployed?
Primarily India (Jio, Airtel), China (China Mobile), UK (Three), and Southeast Asia. Not available in the US (federal government allocation). India's 2022 5G auction assigned 2.3 GHz at lower prices than mid-band n78, making it a cost-effective capacity layer.
How does 2300 MHz compare to 2600 MHz?
n40 (2300 MHz) has ~1 dB better propagation than n41 (2500 MHz) and 4 dB better than n78 (3500 MHz). 100 MHz total supports 40 to 80 MHz NR carriers with TDD. Urban cell radius 1 to 3 km. TDD enables massive MIMO beamforming via channel reciprocity.
Does Band n40 coexist with Wi-Fi?
n40 (2300 to 2400 MHz) is adjacent to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Coexistence requires guard bands; most allocations end at 2370 to 2390 MHz to maintain separation. Some countries also share the range with amateur radio and airport surveillance radar.