Ensuring Effective IoT Device Coverage in North America: The Importance of Frequency Bands

In the rapidly expanding world of IoT (Internet of Things), ensuring that devices are equipped with the right frequency bands is crucial for optimal performance and coverage. In North America, the landscape of network frequencies is diverse, with major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon in the USA, and Rogers, Bell, and Telus in Canada operating on multiple bands to provide robust connectivity. Understanding these frequency bands and their compatibility with IoT modules is essential for anyone looking to deploy IoT solutions effectively.

Frequency Bands and Their Importance

Frequency bands are specific ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated for wireless communication. Different bands offer varying propagation characteristics, influencing factors such as signal range and penetration. For IoT devices, which often need to function reliably in diverse environments, having access to the correct frequency bands can significantly enhance connectivity and performance.

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Frequency Bands in the USA

AT&T uses the following LTE bands:

• B2 (1900 MHz)
• B4 (1700/2100 MHz)
• B5 (850 MHz)
• B12/17 (700 MHz)
• B29 (700 MHz)
• B30 (2300 MHz)
• B66 (AWS-3)

T-Mobile operates on:

• B2 (1900 MHz)
• B4 (1700/2100 MHz)
• B5 (850 MHz)
• B12 (700 MHz)
• B66 (AWS-3)
• B71 (600 MHz)

Verizon operates on:

• B2 (1900 MHz)
• B4 (1700/2100 MHz)
• B5 (850 MHz)
• B13 (700 MHz)
• B66 (AWS-3)

Both AT&T and T-Mobile also support GSM bands B2 (1900 MHz) and B5 (850 MHz), which are essential for backward compatibility with older devices.

Rogers, Bell, and Telus Frequency Bands in Canada

Rogers uses the following LTE bands:

• B12 (700 MHz)
• B4 (1700/2100 MHz)
• B7 (2600 MHz)

Bell operates on:

• B2 (1900 MHz)
• B4 (1700/2100 MHz)
• B5 (850 MHz)
• B12/13/17/29 (700 MHz)
• B7 (2600 MHz)

Telus operates on:

• B2 (1900 MHz)
• B4 (1700/2100 MHz)
• B5 (850 MHz)
• B12/13/17/29 (700 MHz)
• B7 (2600 MHz)

Quectel EG25 Module: A Case Study

The Quectel EG25 module, designed for M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT applications, supports various LTE and GSM bands, making it a versatile choice for global deployments. In the context of North America, this module supports:

• LTE-FDD Bands: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B26, B28
• LTE-TDD Bands: B38, B39, B40, B41
• GSM Bands: B2, B3, B5, B8

For AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Rogers, Bell, and Telus, the EG25’s support for B2, B4, B5, B12, B13, and B66 in LTE-FDD, and B2 and B5 in GSM, makes it a highly compatible option. This broad range of supported bands ensures that the EG25 can achieve excellent coverage and connectivity on major North American networks, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of IoT deployments.

Ensuring Compatibility for Optimal Performance

When selecting IoT modules for deployment in North America, it’s vital to ensure they support the key frequency bands used by major carriers. This compatibility ensures that devices can achieve good coverage and reliable connectivity. For instance, deploying an IoT solution that relies heavily on AT&T’s network would benefit from a module supporting B2, B4, B5, B12/17, and B30 to maximize coverage and performance. Similarly, for T-Mobile, B2, B4, B5, B12, B66, and B71 are critical, while for Verizon, B2, B4, B5, B13, and B66 are essential. In Canada, ensuring support for B4 and B7 is crucial for Rogers, Bell, and Telus, along with B12 for Rogers.

Conclusion

In summary, the effectiveness of IoT devices in North America heavily relies on their compatibility with the frequency bands used by major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Modules like the Quectel EG25 offer a range of supported bands that cater to diverse global needs, but careful selection and understanding of local frequency requirements are essential for ensuring optimal device performance. By aligning your IoT deployment strategy with the right frequency bands, you can ensure reliable and effective connectivity across the USA and Canada.

For more information about IoT modules and their compatibility with North American carriers, visit Simplex Wireless.

This article was curated by Jan Lattunen, CCO, Simplex Wireless