The S-Band is a portion of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum in the microwave range, typically spanning 1.7 to 2.6 GHz, although it is often specified as 2 to 4 GHz (2 to 4 GHz is also commonly used in telecom/satellite contexts). It is used for satellite communication, radar, weather monitoring, and wireless communication systems, including 5G NB-IoT over NTN.
NR NTN satellite bands defined in 3GPP (TS 38.101-5)
* Under discussion.
Why is S-Band Important for Satellite NB-IoT?
- Global Availability: The ITU has harmonized this band for MSS across all three ITU regions, making it ideal for globally operable devices.
- NB-IoT in NTN: 3GPP Release 17 defines S-Band usage for satellite-based NB-IoT communications, enabling uplink in the 1980–2010 MHz range and downlink in the 2170–2200 MHz range.
- Ideal for IoT: Balances range, penetration, and device complexity, which is perfect for low-power, wide-area IoT use cases in remote areas.
S-Band is a versatile frequency range critical for satellite communications, radar, and emerging 5G networks. Its balance of coverage and reliability makes it ideal for applications where higher bands (like Ka/Ku) face limitations.