LTE Band 33 operates in the 2.1 GHz frequency range and is configured for Time Division Duplexing (TDD), utilising a single frequency range for both uplink and downlink by allocating time slots for each direction. Its position in the 2.1 GHz spectrum places it immediately adjacent to the more established Band 1, which is widely used for FDD operations.
The proximity of Band 33 to the popular Band 1 is believed to be a primary reason for its limited adoption. With Band 1 having broader global acceptance and an established ecosystem of supporting devices, operators tend to prioritise it over Band 33. While Band 33's TDD configuration offers flexibility in managing asymmetric traffic, its adjacency to Band 1, coupled with potential interference concerns and network planning complexities, has constrained its widespread implementation.