3GPP Band 3, often referred to as the DCS (Digital Cellular System) band, was an important 3G UMTS frequency band, widely utilised in Europe, Asia, and various other regions. As a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band, it facilitates bidirectional communication over different frequencies: transmissions from cell towers to mobile devices occur on frequencies 1805 to 1880 MHz, while the reverse path, from mobile devices to cell towers, uses frequencies 1710 to 1785 MHz.
The international adoption of Band 3 (1800 MHz) has been largely driven by its allocation for GSM and later 3G services, following regulatory decisions in the early 1990s. Positioned in the lower end of the high-frequency spectrum, Band 3 strikes a balance between coverage distance and signal penetration. With a typical coverage radius of around 3 to 15 kilometers, its performance is influenced by terrain and urban structures.