What is the S Band?

IEEE Radar S Band

The S-band as defined by IEEE is a frequency range from 2 to 4 GHz. IEEE uses letters to signify a range of frequencies from 1 to 170 GHz. This band is mostly used for mobile communications, including IMT-2000/UMTS, mobile satellite communications and weather/ship radar systems. The widely used 2.4 GHz ISM band also falls in this frequency band - the 2.4 GHz band is used for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee and a number of other technologies.

This frequency band is also used by NASA for communication with ISS and Space Shuttle. In May 2009, Inmarsat and Solaris mobile (a joint venture between Eutelsat and Astra) were awarded each a 2x15 MHz portion of the S-band by the European Commission.

In the United States Frequencies in the S Band from 2.32 to 2.36 GHz have been assigned for Satellite Radio applications like XM Radio and other services. In China, the 2.6 GHz band is used for Multimedia Mobile broadcasting - A Satellite Radio and mobile TV standards.

The S band can also be used for issuing distress signals in accident situations and for delivering real-time data and status for traffic and weather conditions. These services if integrated with navigation technologies could allow the users to view updated real-time data and local information.

Click here to see the other IEEE/Radar Letter Frequency Bands.