Advantages of 700 MHz spectrum over a 2500 MHz spectrum

Just like somebody explained long back... " lower the frequency longer the distance" ...   :-))

Reference : http://sunilmobiletelecom.blogspot.in/2014/08/apt700-700-mhz-band-auction-for-mobile.html

It is a proven theory that a LTE 700 MHz is going to be a killer in case of LTE Services before 450 MHz can make a pitch in the competition. Because many of the major LTE markets are already having strong push to deploy 700 Mhz spectrum.

Both FDD/TDD modes are available in 700 MHz spectrum.

The below pictures are self explanatory of benefits/advantages over other spectrum...

 Figure 1 : Rural LTE Coverage for 700 MHz spectrum

 Figure 2 : Rural LTE Coverage for 2500 MHz spectrum

 Figure 3 : Urban LTE Coverage for 700 MHz spectrum

 Figure 4 : Urban LTE Coverage for 2500 MHz spectrum

 Figure 5 : Urban LTE Coverage comparison for 700 & 2500 MHz spectrum for Rural area

 Figure 6 : Urban LTE Coverage comparison for 700 & 2500 MHz spectrum for Urban area

 Figure 7 : LTE Bands and Frequency Bands

 Figure 8 : LTE Bands and Frequency Bands used by Australian LTE Networks

 Figure 9 : LTE Bands and Frequency Bands used by US LTE Networks

 Figure 10 : LTE Bands and Frequency Bands used by Indian LTE Networks

The storm is coming " APT700 - 700 MHz Band Auction for Mobile Broadband "

Although 700 MHZ band is utilized well by US in the past, but in the recent past around 2010 Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) developed the APT700 bandplan to offer the mobile broadband. Mainly focussing on 3GPP Standardized LTE Technology as the vehicle to utilize the 700 MHZ band for better coverage/speed for MBB services.The same has been adopted by Latin America. 

Meantime in US AT&T and Verizon already aggregated their 700 MHZ holding to implement the LTE Technology in widespread.

The benefits are...

• TRUE GLOBAL ROAMING OPPORTUNITY
• SIMPLE UE Hardware and Battery Saving
• Less CAPEX/OPEX for better MBB Services compare to other bands.

The frequency range : 698-806 MHz

Supports both TDD/FDD Mode technology of LTE.

Telstra is one of the major supporter for the same. Australia is one of the landscape that requires such benefits like Better Coverage + Better Speeds.
GSA-the Global mobile Suppliers Association too backing this strongly.

1. The field test carried out by Huawei proves to be 3.6 times of 1800 MHz band and 6 times of 2600 MHz band.
2. In addition to coverage benefits  throughput also 30% / 65% more compare to a 1800/2100 MHz spectrum.

India is planning to do the auction not before 2015 End, GSMA is pursuing the Govt. of India to release the roadmap soon. 

Going to be action full years ahead of us.

There will be two major fractions in future Operators with 2100/1800 band and Operators with 700/800/900 bands. The former being the target for "Small Cells" vendors. :-))

References : 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APT_band_plan_in_the_700_MHz_band#History
http://www.gsacom.com/apt700/
http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ZTE-LTE-APT-700MHz-Terminal-White-Paper-ZTE-JUNE-2013.pdf