U900

 Vs  U2100  

UMTS  900  provides  superior  coverage  as  compared  to  U2100.  This  is  evident  from  the  law  of  physics  
that  :  Electromagnetic  wavelength  is  =  (Speed  of  Light)/(Frequency  of  the  electromagnetic  waves)  where  
speed  of  Light    -­‐  3x10^8  m/sec  and  is  a  constant  

Wavelength  or  distance  traversed  by  any  electromagnetic  wavelength  is  inversely  proportional  to  the  
frequency,    hence  U900  has  better  propagation  characteristics  as  compared  to  U2100.    

Hence  ,  it  can  be  understood  that  900  spectrum  has  better  propagation  characteristics  than  2100.  
Additionally,  U900  has  better  Receive  signal  (RSCP)  at  any  given  point  as  compared  to  U2100.  

Better  signal  strength  means  better  CQI  (Channel  Quality  Index)  and  lesser  interference  leading  to  
higher  user  throughputs  at  indoors.  In  other  words  HSDPA  coverage  of  U900  is  better  than  U2100.    

Typically  U900  cell  coverage  is  almost  twice  the  coverage  of  U2100  cell.  Also,  it  has  better  in-­‐building  
penetration  as  compared  to  U2100.  

U900  has  better  3G  coverage  in  deep  indoors,  whereas  users  of  U2100  network  have  high  probability  to  
fall  back  to  2G  network  in  deep  indoors  under  low  coverage  of  U2100.  Additionally  U900  has  better  
signal  strength  than  GSM  900,  as  the  better  sensitivity  of  the  base  station  in  U900  band    than  in  GSM  
900.  This  makes  U900  gives  better  voice  calling  experience.  

1. Simulation  results  from  GSMA  (Global  suppliers  of  Mobiles  Association)  shows  that  U900  has  
significantly  better  Voice  and  Data  coverage  as  compared  to  U2100  and  GSM  900/1800.  

 
  

2. Slides  from  Qualcomm  also  clarifies  the  U900  advantages  over  U2100  and  GSM  900  
 

(http://www.slideshare.net/Garry54/umts-­‐900mhz-­‐overview?next_slideshow=1)  

 
3. According  to  Ovum  Consulting,  in  its  summary  report  to  GSMA,  U900  benefits  are  highlighted  
below: