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 that C Band uses perform better under adverse weather conditions than the Ku band or Ka band frequencies.

C Band Variants

Slight C Band frequency variations 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).

C Band