3GPP Band 2, commonly referred to as the PCS band, is a significant 3G UMTS frequency band, particularly in the Americas. Operating as a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band, it facilitates communication between the cellular network and mobile devices over distinct frequencies: it transmits from the cell tower to the mobile device on frequencies 1930 to 1990 MHz and receives from the mobile device on frequencies 1850 to 1910 MHz.
The widespread adoption of Band 2 (1900 MHz) in North and South America can be traced back to regulatory decisions that allocated the 1900 MHz spectrum for PCS (Personal Communications Service) in the 1990s. This band falls in the middle range of cellular frequencies, offering a balanced compromise between coverage and capacity. The coverage area of Band 2 is generally extensive, with a typical cell radius of about 5 to 15 kilometers, influenced by geographical and urban density factors.