3GPP Band 8 (900 MHz) was used globally for 2G GSM voice and basic data mobile communications. Technology-neutral licensing later enabled 900 MHz to become a mainstream spectrum choice for mobile broadband using 3G HSPA / HSPA+ / DC-HSPA+, particularly due to the limited bandwidth required by previous 2G GSM systems. These networks were later refarmed to 4G, often retaining channel configurations.
Over 100 3G UMTS900 networks were commercially launched around the world. 900 MHz spectrum was typically limited in its availability for LTE due to its prior use for 2G and 3G networks; however, using 900 MHz as an LTE band gained traction amongst operators refarming unused and underutilised spectrum, and additionally all main infrastructure vendors offer B8 900 MHz solutions.
Operators are known to have commercially launched LTE mobile broadband service in 900 MHz (band 8) spectrum (LTE900), either as a single band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment, many of the latter using LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation technology to deliver higher speeds for users. In addition, China Unicom launched commercial Cat-NB1/NB-IoT networks in various Chinese cities using the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.