What is C Band?

C Band is the original frequency allocation for communications satellites.

C-Band uses 3.7-4.2GHz for downlink and 5.925-6.425Ghz for uplink.

The lower frequencies used by C Band perform better under adverse weather conditions than the Ku band or Ka band frequencies.

C Band Variants

Slight variations of C Band frequencies are approved for use in various parts of the world.

Band	TX Frequency	RX Frequency
Extended C Band	5.850 - 6.425 GHz	3.625 - 4.200 GHz
Super Extended C-Band	5.850 - 6.725 GHz	3.400 - 4.200 GHz
INSAT C-Band	6.725 - 7.025 GHz	4.500 - 4.800 GHz
Palapa C-Band	6.425 - 6.725 GHz	3.400 - 3.700 GHz
Russian C-Band	5.975 - 6.475 GHz	3.650 - 4.150 GHz
LMI C-Band	5.7250 - 6.025 GHz	3.700 - 4.000 GHz

C Band Dishes

C Band requires the use of a large dish, usually 6' across. C Band dishes vary between 3' and 9' across, depending upon signal strength.

Because C Band dishes are so much larger than Ku and Ka Band dishes, a C Band dish is sometimes referred to in friendly jest as a BUD (Big Ugly Dish).