FR2 Maximum Transmission Bandwidth Configuration in 5G NR | 60 kHz and 150 kHz SCS Explained

5G New Radio (NR) splits its spectrum into two key frequency ranges: FR1 (below 6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave, spanning 24.25–52.6 GHz). FR1 is all about coverage and reliability, while FR2 brings super high bandwidth and ultra-fast data rates—which are crucial for the next-gen applications we’re looking at, such as:

High-capacity mobile broadband (eMBB)

Fixed wireless access (FWA)

Immersive augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences

Autonomous systems that need less than a millisecond of latency.

To tap into these powerful features, 3GPP outlines the maximum configurations for transmission bandwidths. This includes details on how many Resource Blocks (RBs) fit within a specific Subcarrier Spacing (SCS) and channel bandwidth.

The chart we've uploaded gives you a clear overview of these configurations for FR2.

Understanding the FR2 Bandwidth Configuration Table

SCS (kHz) 50 MHz 100 MHz 200 MHz 400 MHz

60 kHz 66 132 264 N/A

150 kHz 32 66 132 264

Interpretation

This table shows how many Resource Blocks (RBs) can be assigned for each channel bandwidth at a specific Subcarrier Spacing (SCS). Each RB has 12 subcarriers, and the spacing for each subcarrier is based on the SCS (Δf).

Higher SCS → Shorter OFDM symbol duration → Lower latency

Lower SCS → More RBs in a fixed bandwidth → Better spectral efficiency

FR2 Subcarrier Spacing Options

a) 60 kHz SCS

This is mostly used for the lower FR2 frequencies (24–40 GHz). The 60 kHz SCS strikes a nice balance between spectral efficiency and latency.

Key characteristics:

66 RBs in 50 MHz

132 RBs in 100 MHz

264 RBs in 200 MHz

No defined configuration for 400 MHz at 60 kHz (due to spectral and hardware limitations)

b) 150 kHz SCS

This was introduced for the higher FR2 frequencies (up to 52.6 GHz) and delivers very short slot durations, which is vital for ultra-low latency and quick scheduling.

Key characteristics:

32 RBs in 50 MHz

66 RBs in 100 MHz

132 RBs in 200 MHz

264 RBs in 400 MHz

How Subcarrier Spacing Influences Bandwidth Efficiency

In OFDM-based 5G NR systems, the SCS determines how many subcarriers can fit within a given bandwidth.

With 60 kHz, more subcarriers fit per MHz → more RBs → higher potential throughput.

With 150 kHz, fewer subcarriers fit → fewer RBs → slightly lower spectral efficiency but better latency and improved Doppler resilience.

So, it’s really about finding that balance between capacity and latency:

SCS (kHz) Symbol Duration (µs) Slot Duration (ms) Use Case

60 16.67 0.25 eMBB, FWA

150 6.67 0.1 URLLC, AR/VR, Industrial IoT

Why FR2 Needs Wide Bandwidths

FR2 breaks the limits of FR1, which tops out at 100 MHz, allowing for channel widths up to 400 MHz. This huge bandwidth means:

Gigabit+ data rates per user

Support for high user densities

Low latency operations

On the flip side, FR2’s higher frequencies encounter significant propagation losses and have shorter coverage, so it’s often deployed in small-cell architectures.

Example: Estimating Throughput in FR2

Let’s work out the theoretical throughput for a 400 MHz channel using 150 kHz SCS (which includes 264 RBs):

Each RB = 12 subcarriers × 150 kHz = 1.8 MHz

Total usable bandwidth = 264 × 1.8 MHz = 475.2 MHz

Using 256-QAM modulation and 4×4 MIMO:

Throughput = 475.2 MHz × 8 bits/symbol × 4 layers × 0.93 ≈ 14.1 Gbps

This illustrates FR2’s ability to deliver multi-Gbps data rates, even for individual users in ideal conditions.

The Connection Between RBs and Spectral Efficiency

How many Resource Blocks (RBs) you have affects how you allocate frequencies. Fewer RBs (with a higher SCS) mean:

Less flexibility in scheduling

More signal robustness against Doppler spread

Better performance in dense or highly mobile environments

On the other hand, denser RB configurations (like 60 kHz SCS) allow for finer control over dynamic scheduling, but they require more computational power and precise synchronization.

Deployment Scenarios for 60 kHz and 150 kHz

SCS (kHz) Deployment Range (GHz) Typical Application Deployment Type

60 24.25–40 eMBB, FWA Outdoor small cells

150 40–52.6 URLLC, AR/VR, V2X Indoor hotspots, Industrial IoT

Design and Hardware Considerations

Implementing 150 kHz SCS at FR2 does require:

High-speed DACs/ADCs

Advanced phase noise suppression

Beamforming antennas that can adapt

Plus, the RF front-end design has to ensure efficiency and linearity across those wide bandwidths (up to 400 MHz). That’s why FR2 radios typically include massive MIMO arrays and beam tracking algorithms.

Challenges in Utilizing FR2 Bandwidth

While FR2 can support wide bandwidths, there are practical challenges:

Limited range (~100–300 meters)

Higher path loss (20–30 dB more than FR1)

Obstacles (walls, trees, rain) can block signals

Costly hardware and installation

To counteract these issues, operators use:

Dynamic beamforming

Carrier aggregation (FR1 + FR2)

Repeaters and reflectors

Comparing FR1 and FR2 Bandwidth Configurations

Parameter FR1 FR2

Frequency Range <6 GHz 24.25–52.6 GHz

Max Bandwidth 100 MHz 400 MHz

SCS Options 15, 30, 60 kHz 60, 150 kHz

Max RBs 270 264

Coverage Wide Limited

Use Case Coverage & reliability Speed & capacity

This comparison shows that FR1 serves as the coverage anchor, while FR2 functions as the capacity booster—together, they create true 5G performance.

Real-World Applications for FR2 Bandwidths

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Providing gigabit internet to homes

Stadiums and Concerts: Massive capacity for thousands of attendees

Smart Factories: Low-latency control for automation

Autonomous Vehicles: Fast data exchange for V2X communication

AR/VR in 5G: High bandwidth for real-time rendering

Conclusion

The FR2 maximum transmission bandwidth configuration is integral to realizing 5G NR’s promise for multi-gigabit performance. By using subcarrier spacings of 60 kHz and 150 kHz, 5G networks can effectively balance capacity, latency, and coverage based on what’s required for deployment.

Key takeaways include:

60 kHz SCS gives high spectral efficiency for moderate mmWave frequencies.

150 kHz SCS supports ultra-low latency and extreme throughput in high-frequency ranges.

400 MHz channels in FR2 pave the way for multi-Gbps user speeds for advanced 5G use cases.

As networks move toward 6G, FR2 configurations will likely keep evolving, supporting bandwidths that exceed 400 MHz—setting the stage for immersive, data-rich wireless experiences.