What is the LTE band 450 MHz?
Today, let me explain to you the LTE 450 MHz band, which is also known as LTE Band 31. If you’ve ever wondered how LTE manages to provide coverage in hard-to-reach areas or why some networks perform better in rural regions, then understanding this frequency band will make it clear.
The 450 MHz band refers to the frequency range from 452.5 MHz to 457.5 MHz for uplink and 462.5 MHz to 467.5 MHz for downlink. It falls under LTE Band 31 and is part of the low-band spectrum, which is known for its ability to provide wide-area coverage and excellent penetration through buildings, trees, and even underground areas. Unlike mid-band or high-band LTE, which offers higher speed but limited range, the 450 MHz band focuses more on reliable connectivity over long distances.
Let me show you a quick summary so you can grasp the core details easily:
| LTE Band | Band Number | Uplink (MHz) | Downlink (MHz) | Bandwidth | Duplex Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 MHz | Band 31 | 452.5 – 457.5 | 462.5 – 467.5 | 2 x 5 MHz | FDD |
Now, why would a network operator choose to use this band? You and I both know that in urban environments, we usually have plenty of towers and infrastructure. But in rural, remote, or less-developed regions, it’s not feasible to deploy a dense grid of base stations. That’s where the 450 MHz band shines—it covers larger areas with fewer towers, making it cost-effective and efficient for wide-area connectivity.
Operators often use LTE Band 31 for specific applications such as:
- Providing mobile coverage in rural or remote areas
- Supporting machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and IoT deployments
- Enabling communication for utility companies (e.g., smart grids and metering)
- Delivering reliable service for emergency services and public safety networks
This band is especially useful in countries where the legacy 450 MHz spectrum (previously used for older systems like CDMA or analog services) has been re-farmed for LTE use. As we learned in our previous articles about LTE network optimization and spectrum allocation, refarming existing bands for LTE is a smart way to boost performance without acquiring new spectrum.
You might not notice when you’re using the 450 MHz band, but if you’re in a remote area and still getting decent signal for voice or even low-speed data, it’s likely because of this band working in the background. While it doesn’t offer the blazing fast speeds of higher bands, it plays a crucial role in ensuring you stay connected, even where other bands fail.