topic Re: Band 20 in Mobile Network discussions

Band 20

mkpugh — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:05:39 GMT

Hi, I am considering importing a Chinese phone that doesn't have Band 20. How important is Band 20 on EE in the UK?

Re: Band 20

blueblue — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:11:05 GMT

EE uses Band 20 (amongst other spectrum allocations), so you may want to avoid importing the phone if being connected to 4G on EE is important to you.

Re: Band 20

mkpugh — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:14:37 GMT

Do you know how widely it's used by EE. I read it was mostly used out of town/cities because of the distance it travels. Is that true?

Re: Band 20

James_B — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:08:16 GMT

Hi @mkpugh,

You're correct in saying band 20 is often used for extended coverage. In some areas, this may be the only EE spectrum available.

I agree with @blueblue and would recommend looking at phones that will allow you to connect wherever there is an EE signal.

James

Re: Band 20

bristolian — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:07:48 GMT

In urban areas, B20 is used to extend coverage indoors where the higher-bands 1, 3 & 7 (depending on location) may not reach - WiFi-calling is another alternative here.

In remote & rural locations, Band 20 may sometimes be the only outdoor coverage available. Band 3 1800Mhz is EE's base coverage layer.

Re: Band 20

mkpugh — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:30:57 GMT

Hi, is there a way to check local masts and see what bands they have?

Re: Band 20

bristolian — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:03:54 GMT

The EE website provides a coverage prediction, but doesn't specify individual bands. There are sources available, but the data is not user-friendly to casual users.

If you'd be comfortable posting a local postcode on this thread, checks can be made - please don't make this exact to your location as it will breach forum rules, make it suitably general and closeby.

Re: Band 20

mkpugh — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:06:49 GMT

DE6 1 - can I do one more letter?

Re: Band 20

bristolian — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:10:33 GMT

Ashbourne has 2 primary serving sites, one of which is equipped with B20-800Mhz service.

Re: Band 20

mkpugh — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:12:16 GMT

Thanks, so a high chance of at least some impact? Are you able to share where the sites are?

Re: Band 20

paul03631 — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:51:29 GMT

@mkpugh wrote:
Hi, is there a way to check local masts and see what bands they have?

Try looking here:

Cellmapper.net

Re: Band 20

EssexBoyEE — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:42:10 GMT

I've used and tested an early 5G Vivo Phone (China Version) that didn't have the 4G Band 20 both on the EE and Vodafone Network and it worked fine on both Networks, even in poor Coverage Areas, as long as the Devices covers the other 4G Bands ie, B1, B3, B7 for EE you should be fine.