United Kingdom Mobile Phone Signal Blocking Frequencies

In the UK, mobile phone signal frequencies are managed by Ofcom (Office of Communications), covering multiple frequency bands to support different generations of mobile communication technologies (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G). The allocation of mobile phone signal frequencies in the UK is designed to balance coverage and data transmission speed to meet the growing demand for mobile communications. With the promotion of 5G technology, the use and management of spectrum will become more important.
Here is a breakdown of the main frequencies for mobile communications regulated by Ofcom and their applications.
2G (GSM) Frequencies

• 900 MHz Band: 880–915 MHz (uplink) / 925–960 MHz (downlink)
• 1800 MHz Band: 1710–1785 MHz (uplink) / 1805–1880 MHz (downlink)

These frequencies are used for basic voice calls, SMS, and low-bandwidth data. Some operators have repurposed parts of these bands for 4G services as 2G demand declines.
3G (UMTS) Frequencies

• 900 MHz Band (shared with 2G): 880–915 MHz / 925–960 MHz
• 2100 MHz Band: 1920–1980 MHz (uplink) / 2110–2170 MHz (downlink)

The 2100 MHz band was primarily used for 3G data services and mobile internet. However, many networks are shutting down 3G services to free spectrum for 4G and 5G.
4G (LTE) Frequencies

• 800 MHz Band (Band 20): 791–821 MHz (uplink) / 832–862 MHz (downlink)
Great for rural coverage and indoor penetration
• 1800 MHz Band (Band 3): 1710–1785 MHz / 1805–1880 MHz
Used for urban coverage and refarmed from 2G
• 2100 MHz Band (Band 1): 1920–1980 MHz / 2110–2170 MHz
Repurposed from 3G to improve 4G coverage
• 2600 MHz Band (Band 7): 2500–2570 MHz / 2620–2690 MHz
Provides high-speed data in urban areas
• 700 MHz Band (Band 28): 703–748 MHz / 758–803 MHz
Used for improved coverage and indoor penetration

These frequencies provide a mix of coverage (lower bands) and capacity (higher bands) for 4G data services.
5G Frequencies

• 700 MHz Band (Band 28): 703–748 MHz / 758–803 MHz
Used for long-range coverage, including rural areas
• 3.4–3.8 GHz Band (n78): Primary 5G band
Balances speed and coverage; ideal for urban and suburban areas
• 26 GHz Band (mmWave): Planned for high-speed, short-range 5G
Suitable for dense environments like stadiums and city centers

5G networks rely heavily on the 3.4–3.8 GHz band but will expand into mmWave (26 GHz) for ultra-fast connections.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Frequencies

• 2.4 GHz Band: 2400–2483.5 MHz
• 5 GHz Band: 5150–5875 MHz
• 6 GHz Band (Wi-Fi 6E): 5925–7125 MHz

These license-free bands are shared by devices like routers and Bluetooth gadgets.
The UK's mobile signal frequencies are allocated to ensure a balance between coverage, capacity, and performance. Lower bands like 700 MHz offer better coverage, while higher bands like 3.5 GHz support high-speed data in urban areas. As the transition to 5G accelerates, older technologies like 2G and 3G are gradually being phased out.
There are four major operators in the UK. In addition there are regional operators. They operate on multiple frequencies. Many of these operators use modern technical solutions to ensure signal quality.
There are four operators in the UK that offer additional services using GSM and 3G frequencies:

• EE (Everything Everywhere)
• Vodafone
• O2 (formerly Cellnet, later renamed O2. O2 is the second largest mobile telecommunications company in the UK, second only to EE)
• Three (In June 2023, Three was proposed to merge with Vodafone UK. As of July 2024, the merger was under review by the Competition and Markets Authority.)

Three other telecommunications companies operating and providing customer service in the UK:

• BT Mobile (using EE network)
• Virgin Mobile (using EE network)
• Tesco Mobile (using O2 network)

Mobile network operators in the UK use different frequency bands to provide mobile phone services. The following are the main frequency bands used by these operators:
Band 1800 MHz: EE, O2, Vodafone UK and Three UK use this band to provide 2G, 3G and 4G services.
Band 2600 MHz: EE, Vodafone UK and Three UK use this band to provide 4G services.
Band 800 MHz: EE, O2 and Vodafone UK use this band to provide 4G services.
Band 2100 MHz: EE, O2, Vodafone UK and Three UK use this band to provide 3G and 4G services.
Band 900 MHz: EE, O2, Vodafone UK and Three UK use this band to provide 2G, 3G and 4G services.
Band 1500 MHz: EE, O2 and Vodafone UK use this band to provide 4G services.

Which frequency band to block?

In order to effectively block UK mobile phone signals, it is necessary to lock on to the main frequency bands used by mobile network operators. The frequency bands to consider are as follows:
Band 1800 MHz: This band is widely used by all operators to provide 2G, 3G, and 4G services. Congestion in this band can cause significant interference to mobile phone signals.
Band 800 MHz: This band is also used by several operators for their 4G services. Blocking this band can have a significant impact on mobile phone connections.
It is worth noting that many countries, including the UK, have legal provisions for mobile phone signal blocking. Users must comply with existing laws and regulations before taking any signal blocking actions.
To effectively block UK mobile phone signals, it is recommended to block the frequency bands most commonly used by mobile network operators. The frequency bands to consider are Band 1800 MHz and Band 800 MHz.