Band n5 (5G NR, 850 MHz)
Understanding Band n5
Band n5 at 850 MHz is the oldest cellular spectrum still in active commercial use in the US. First allocated in 1981, it carried analog AMPS calls, then CDMA and GSM digital service, then LTE, and now 5G NR. The 25 MHz paired allocation is split between the A-side (non-wireline) and B-side (wireline) blocks, with AT&T and Verizon holding most licenses through decades of industry consolidation.
At 850 MHz, propagation is excellent: 7.5 dB better than 1900 MHz and 12.3 dB better than 3500 MHz. Building penetration is 8 to 14 dB for residential structures. Verizon brands its n5 DSS coverage as "5G Nationwide," providing broad 5G availability while C-band (n77) delivers high-speed performance. AT&T similarly uses n5 DSS alongside C-band for nationwide 5G reach.
Band n5 Technical Parameters
UL: 824 – 849 MHz (25 MHz)
DL: 869 – 894 MHz (25 MHz)
Duplex spacing: 45 MHz
DSS Performance:
NR DL: 30–75 Mbps (10 MHz DSS carrier)
Rural cell radius: 5–10 km
Building penetration: 8–14 dB
Path Loss vs. Other Bands:
vs. 1900 MHz (n2): −7.5 dB
vs. 3500 MHz (n78): −12.3 dB
US 850 MHz Spectrum History
| Era | Technology | Band | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-1996 | AMPS (analog) | Cellular 850 | Voice only |
| 1996-2010 | CDMA/GSM | Band 5 | 14.4 kbps – 3 Mbps |
| 2010-2020 | LTE | Band 5 | 5–50 Mbps |
| 2020+ | 5G NR (DSS) | Band n5 | 30–75 Mbps |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of 850 MHz cellular spectrum?
Original US cellular spectrum (FCC 1981). Two 25 MHz blocks per market (A-side, B-side). Carried AMPS, CDMA/GSM, LTE Band 5, now 5G NR Band n5. AT&T and Verizon hold most licenses through decades of consolidation.
How does Band n5 compare to Band n71?
n5 (850 MHz, 25 MHz paired): AT&T/Verizon. n71 (600 MHz, 35 MHz paired): T-Mobile. n71 has 1.5 dB better propagation and 10 MHz more bandwidth. n5 uses DSS (30 to 75 Mbps). n71 can dedicate more to NR for better throughput. Both provide excellent rural/indoor coverage.
Does Verizon use Band n5 for 5G?
Yes, branded as "5G Nationwide." DSS on existing 850 MHz LTE provides broad 5G coverage (30 to 75 Mbps). C-band (n77) provides high speed in urban/suburban. n5 DSS ensures nationwide 5G icon while C-band delivers performance.