Satellite Spectrum

Certain frequency bands have been dedicated for satellite use for many decades by the body responsible for managing the radio spectrum the International Telecommunications Union.

Different frequency bands are suitable for different climate conditions, types of service and types of users. Rather than talking about specific radio frequencies, the frequency bands used for satellites are identified by simple letters. Lower frequencies (L-, S- and C-bands) are almost unaffected by heavy rainfall and are therefore critical in those parts of the world that experience such downpours regularly (e.g. Africa, Asia and Latin America).

These lower frequencies are also good at serving large areas of the globe at the same time, providing reliable international connectivity from high rainfall areas to the rest of the world. Higher frequencies (Ku-, Ka- and Q/V -bands) allow smaller antennas to be used and more focused footprints on regions or sub-regional areas.

A satellite is constructed from the outset to transmit via a clearly identified frequency band(s) and this cannot be changed after launch! The table below shows the different satellite bands and their uses. (The table has 7 columns, so you may ned to scroll horizontally on a small device.)

• Spectrum
• Broadband
• Broadcasting
• 5G