5G NR Spectrum

Band n7 (5G NR, 2600 MHz FDD)

Q: How is Band n7 deployed for 5G NR?

Band n7 is deployed via DSS on existing 2600 MHz LTE infrastructure or as a dedicated NR carrier where operators have sufficient spectrum. European and Latin American operators aggregate n7 FDD with n38 TDD (center gap) and n78 (3.5 GHz) for multi-band NR capacity. A 20 MHz n7 carrier provides 80-120 Mbps downlink; combined with n38 and n78 via CA, aggregate throughput exceeds 3 Gbps.

Q: How does Band n7 compare to Band n41?

Band n7 (FDD, 2500-2690 MHz paired) and Band n41 (TDD, 2496-2690 MHz) use the same frequencies but different duplex modes. The choice is regulatory: Europe and Latin America use the FDD+TDD split (n7+n38); the US, China, and India use pure TDD (n41). FDD provides symmetric UL/DL and lower latency but less flexible bandwidth allocation. TDD enables channel reciprocity for massive MIMO. In 5G NR, TDD-based massive MIMO generally achieves higher spectral efficiency.

Q: Is Band n7 relevant in the 5G era?

Yes, for operators with FDD 2600 MHz allocations. In Europe and Latin America, n7 remains an important capacity layer alongside n78 (3.5 GHz). The FDD mode provides reliable uplink performance that TDD bands cannot match during high UL-demand scenarios (video calls, file uploads). Refarming Band 7 LTE to Band n7 NR via DSS extends 5G coverage without new spectrum investment. Long-term, some operators may convert their entire 2600 MHz allocation to TDD (n41) for massive MIMO benefits.

/band en-SEV-en/

The 5G NR equivalent of LTE Band 7, operating at 2500 to 2570 MHz uplink and 2620 to 2690 MHz downlink (70 MHz paired FDD). Deployed globally for urban capacity NR via DSS or dedicated carriers. Combined with Band n38 (TDD center gap) and n78 for multi-band NR capacity exceeding 3 Gbps aggregate.

UL: 2500 – 2570 MHz

DL: 2620 – 2690 MHz

Mode: FDD (70 MHz paired)

Understanding Band n7

Band n7 carries the FDD portion of the 2600 MHz allocation into 5G NR. While the overall trend in 5G favors TDD (massive MIMO, channel reciprocity, flexible DL/UL), FDD at 2600 MHz retains value: symmetric UL/DL, lower latency on uplink, and no need for TDD guard periods. Operators with existing FDD 2600 MHz licenses can deploy NR via DSS without restructuring their spectrum allocation.

In European networks, Band n7 operates alongside n38 (TDD center gap) and n78 (3.5 GHz). The three-band NR aggregation provides both FDD reliability and TDD capacity: n7 for symmetric service, n38 for supplemental downlink, and n78 for high-capacity massive MIMO. This layered approach delivers the best combination of coverage, capacity, and user experience.

Band n7 Technical Parameters

Frequency (same as LTE Band 7):
UL: 2500 – 2570 MHz (70 MHz)
DL: 2620 – 2690 MHz (70 MHz)
Duplex spacing: 120 MHz

NR Configuration:
SCS: 15 kHz (FDD) | Max channel: 20 MHz
Dedicated NR DL: 80–120 Mbps
CA (n7 + n38 + n78): 3+ Gbps aggregate

FDD vs. TDD at 2.6 GHz:
FDD (n7): Symmetric, lower latency
TDD (n41): Massive MIMO, higher efficiency

2600 MHz Band Strategy

Approach	Bands Used	Mode	Region
FDD + TDD split	n7 (FDD) + n38 (TDD)	Mixed	Europe, LATAM
Full TDD	n41 (entire range)	TDD	US, China, India
Refarming to TDD	n41 (FDD to TDD)	TDD	Trend (future)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Band n7 deployed for 5G NR?

DSS on existing 2600 MHz LTE or dedicated NR carriers. EU/LATAM operators aggregate n7 FDD + n38 TDD + n78 for multi-band NR. 20 MHz carrier: 80 to 120 Mbps. Three-band CA: 3+ Gbps aggregate throughput.

How does Band n7 compare to Band n41?

Same frequencies, different duplex. n7 (FDD, paired): EU/LATAM. n41 (TDD, 194 MHz): US/China/India. FDD provides symmetric UL/DL and lower latency. TDD enables massive MIMO with higher spectral efficiency. Choice is regulatory.

Is Band n7 relevant in the 5G era?

Yes, for FDD 2600 MHz operators. FDD provides reliable uplink for video calls and uploads. DSS extends 5G without new spectrum. Long-term, some operators may convert to TDD (n41) for massive MIMO benefits. Currently active in EU and LATAM markets.

Related Terms

← Band n66 Band n70 →

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