Recently, I have read an interesting white paper from Anritsu, which covered trends in wireless frequency band allocation for 5G-A and 6G.
The most recent WRC was held in Dubai, UAE, in November-December 2023 (WRC-23), which covered the frequency bands to be added to the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) system standardized by the ITU, where FR3, also known as the upper mid-band, was discussed as a candidate frequency for IMT.
FR3 is positioned between FR1 and FR2. It covers the range from 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz and is expected to achieve a balance between wide coverage and high-capacity communication.
FR3 is being considered as a key frequency band for the deployment of 5G-A and 6G. It is expected to play an essential role in the development of the next-generation wireless communication technology.
FR3 Frequency Range Advantages
- Wide Bandwidth:
FR3 (7.125–24.25 GHz) has a broader spectrum than FR1 (<7 GHz), easing bandwidth shortages and enabling faster, higher-capacity 5G, supporting advanced uses like autonomous driving and remote control. - Low Attenuation:
FR3 signals have less propagation loss than FR2, enabling longer ranges and requiring fewer base stations. This cuts infrastructure and operational costs while ensuring broad coverage. - Broad Service Coverage:
Unlike highly directional FR2 signals, FR3 has lower directionality, offering broader coverage and flexibility. It supports high-speed, large-capacity services indoors and outdoors without complex beam control. - Device Miniaturization:
FR3’s shorter wavelength (1–4 cm) allows smaller antennas and equipment than FR1 (5 cm), enabling compact setups and more antenna elements for better beamforming.
Wireless system coexistence and interference management become especially important in the FR3 band, which is already used by both commercial and military wireless communication systems. Any new IMT services will need to find a way to peacefully coexist with other vital services, including satellite communications, military radar, and even radio astronomy.
FR3 propagation characteristics in urban and suburban areas remain unclear.
✏ In my opinion, FR3 will become a key spectrum layer for 5G-Advanced evolution. It bridges the gap between sub-6 GHz and mmWave, ensuring both performance scalability and deployment feasibility. As device ecosystems and regulatory frameworks mature, FR3 is likely to play a central role in shaping the next generation of mobile networks.