LoRa frequency bands are the unlicensed ISM bands that LoRa uses in each region: 915 MHz (902–928 MHz) in North America, 868 MHz in Europe, 433 MHz across much of Asia, and 470 MHz in China. Because LoRa runs only in unlicensed spectrum, the permitted channels, duty cycles, and transmit power limits change from country to country — and the band you deploy on dictates which LoRa antenna, connector, and cable you need. This guide explains each band, the real-world range you can expect, and how to select the right LoRa antenna for a reliable LoRaWAN IoT link.

LoRa Frequency Bands by Region

The exact LoRa frequency band you use depends on regional spectrum regulations. LoRa operates exclusively in unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands, but the permitted channels, duty cycles, and maximum transmit power vary by country and region. The table below summarizes the primary LoRa bands and where they apply.

What Is LoRa?

LoRa (Long Range) is a low-power wireless modulation technology originally developed in France and now owned and licensed by Semtech (USA). It forms the physical (PHY) layer of many Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) systems and is governed by the LoRa Alliance, a global consortium of technology providers, network operators, and device manufacturers.

LoRa is designed to support long-range communication with extremely low power consumption, making it well suited for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. It uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation to achieve high link budgets and robust performance in noisy RF environments. Depending on the selected bandwidth and spreading factor, LoRa supports data rates ranging from approximately 0.3 kbps up to 50 kbps. Higher bit rates are achieved by reducing range and increasing power consumption.

The 915 MHz Band

915 MHz is the center frequency of what is known as the 33-centimeter band, which is named after the wavelength at this frequency. It is also known as the 900 MHz band and spans 902 MHz to 928 MHz. The 915 MHz frequency band is designated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as an unlicensed Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency band, which means it can be used across North America for LoRa networking with minimal restriction. Its ability to support long-range transmissions efficiently is advantageous. Other notable uses of this frequency band include amateur radio, as discussed further on.

Why LoRa Antennas Matter

The 915 MHz antenna used for LoRa networking supports long-range connectivity comparable to lower frequencies like the 433 MHz band (though the 915 MHz antennas are higher gain). In the US, use of the 433 MHz band is restricted by FCC regulations, so this higher frequency band is the only sub-gigahertz band available to support LoRa connectivity.

Antenna performance is often the single most critical factor determining real-world LoRa range and reliability. Antenna gain, radiation pattern, ground plane quality, mounting height, and cable losses all directly affect link budget and network capacity. Selecting the correct antenna — and a low-loss antenna cable with the right connector — is therefore as important as choosing the LoRa chipset itself.

Signal Propagation at 915 MHz

Line of sight is the predominant means of signal transmission, meaning 915 MHz antennas and repeaters are often installed at a height beyond obstructions like buildings or hills. With equivalent transmitting power, a 915 MHz LoRa antenna's signal can travel approximately 75 percent of the distance of a 433 MHz antenna. The penetration of buildings and windows is effective, especially when compared to higher frequencies like 2.4 GHz.

In real-world deployments, typical LoRa ranges at 915 MHz are:

• 2–5 km in dense urban environments
• 5–15 km in suburban or rural areas
• 15+ km in open line-of-sight conditions

Key Features of LoRa Connectivity

1. Bandwidth and frequency scalability
2. Low output power of transmitters
3. Resistance to in-band and out-band interference
4. Resilience of signal transmission against fading and Doppler shift
5. Support for long-range connectivity
6. Ability to support high-capacity networks
7. Ability to support localization via networked nodes

The modulation technique used is derived from Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS). This involves increasing the bandwidth of the transmitted signal to compensate for degradation in signal-to-noise ratio and varying the data rate to improve coverage or the rate of power consumption as needed. This also makes transmissions resilient against multipath fading without increasing transmission power. To achieve low-power, wide-area performance, data rate is the key trade-off. Data is broken up and encoded into multiple 'chirps' which are transmitted or 'spread' at varying rates (using changes in frequency), according to airtime availability. Chirp rate is known as Spreading Factor (SF). This scalable bit rate facilitates the most efficient use of the network. Forward error correction is also used to further prevent interference.

The LoRaWAN Network Protocol

This networking protocol is developed for LoRa and specifies the system architecture (point to multipoint), control (frequencies used and data rates), and communication within deployed LoRa networks. Individual networked devices transmit only when they have data to send. Transmitter data is relayed through multiple upstream nodes to the network's central server in a star topology. LoRa networking can be limited in that there is no provision for acknowledgments of data receipt to be transmitted to downstream nodes. Coverage can be anything up to 15 kilometers (10 miles). There are three classes of node communication:

• Class A involves the asynchronous broadcasting of nodes (whenever they need to). When they have no data, they remain dormant.
• Class B involves central communication to nodes via beacon messages broadcast at regular intervals. The receiving nodes are battery powered and therefore capable of listening at scheduled intervals for the transmitted signal.
• Class C are continuously powered, 'active' nodes that can receive signals at any time. This is not a low-energy endeavor and usually needs AC power.

915 MHz IoT Antennas

LoRa is one of the key technologies expected to underpin the ongoing expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT networked devices often use high-throughput networking like WiFi or the cellular network, but LoRa offers connectivity better tailored to sensor-based systems that may only be sending minute data packets at irregular intervals. LoRa also allows IoT devices to operate in remote locations where power is inconsistent and there is a reliance on batteries, which can last up to 10 years in the field.

To integrate LoRa connectivity in a device, a LoRa-compliant chipset licensed by Semtech is required. The LoRa Alliance includes over 500 companies that have developed solutions with LoRa interoperability and contribute to its global ecosystem in a multi-billion-dollar marketplace. Increasingly, LoRa-enabled chips are being integrated into a range of wireless devices like laptops and domestic appliances.

LoRa applications span the breadth of global industry, and deployment of this technology is so widespread that it is setting the standard for LPWAN connectivity and IoT/M2M, eclipsing competitor technologies like NB-IoT or SigFox. Sectors with active LoRa networking deployments include:

• Ecological surveillance
• Agriculture
• Utility metering
• Inventory tracking
• Automotive

Long-Range, Low-Energy Alternatives to LoRa

SigFox 915 MHz Antennas

915 MHz antennas can also be used for SigFox connectivity, which uses the same frequency as LoRa. SigFox is an LPWAN technology that uses differential binary phase-shift keying (DBPSK) and Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) for sub-gigahertz connectivity between networked objects. It uses a one-hop star topology that is highly reliant on high-quality 915 MHz antennas for optimal functioning. It has a data rate of 100 bps with limited bi-directional communication and is deployed in over 60 countries.

Other Applications That Use the 915 MHz Band

The 33-centimeter band is also allocated to amateur radio use, with the caveat that there may be vulnerability to interference from devices using it as an ISM band. A range of amateur endeavors like Amateur Television (ATV) and radio communications like FM, CW, and SSB calling use a variety of self-built or modified hardware. Enthusiasts find that propagation at this frequency is similar to propagation in the 70-centimeter band. External 915 MHz antennas can be used with radios, repeaters, and amplifiers.

Key Types of 915 MHz LoRa Antenna

Antennas for LoRa networking come in a variety of types with characteristics that support effective coverage and functioning of a LoRa network. These antennas can also be used for 915 MHz / 33-centimeter applications. Many are fitted with SMA, RP-SMA, or TNC connectors, but connector type should be carefully checked to ensure compatibility.

Quarter-Wave Whip 915 MHz Antenna

These antennas have a conducting element that is a quarter of the wavelength at 915 MHz. Some are encased in molded housing, but whip antennas are highly flexible and resilient against impacts. Some units have a flying lead for greater ease in mounting.

915 MHz Stub Antenna

Stub antennas are essentially helical antennas compressed into a compact, portable unit, which may be advantageous in some applications. Helical antennas have a coiled radiating element that reduces the length of the antenna, but not as much as a stub antenna.

Swivel / Articulating 915 MHz Dipole Antenna

Articulating or rotating antennas are highly adjustable and usually lock into position when their optimal coverage has been achieved. Their flexibility also increases potential mounting options. Many are half-wave dipole antennas.

Omnidirectional 915 MHz Antenna

Omnidirectional antennas are dipole antennas and can be used to create 360-degree indoor or outdoor coverage. They tend to have lower gain than directional antennas because their beam is not focused. This means reliance on a single omni antenna may not produce the coverage desired, and a combination of antenna types will be needed for the best results. Outdoor omnidirectional antennas are robust with a well-sealed waterproof radome and a range of mounting options. Some designs are through-hole mounting antennas; others come pre-mounted on a metal bracket with jumper cable supplied.

915 MHz Directional Antenna

Directional antennas focus their transmission or receiving power in a specific direction, making them capable of providing high gain and long-distance performance.

915 MHz Co-Linear Antenna

These powerful omnidirectional antennas provide extensive outdoor coverage. They should ideally be mounted at height and be unobstructed for line-of-sight visibility. They are typically made from quarter-wave, half-wave, or dipole elements phased to deliver optimal horizontal-plane coverage, and are housed in a protective fiberglass radome.

LoRa vs. SigFox, NB-IoT, and 433 MHz

LoRa versus SigFox: SigFox is positioned more as a network operator, whereas LoRa provides the technology for companies to build their own networks.

• SigFox networks tend to be simpler than LoRa networks.
• The coverage of SigFox is greater than that of LoRa.
• LoRa with CSS uses much more bandwidth than SigFox.
• SigFox is designed for infrequent transmission and has longer battery life.
• It has only very limited bidirectional communication between participating nodes; LoRa is marginally more sophisticated.
• SigFox radio modules and chipsets are cheaper than those for LoRa.
• SigFox is effective where sensors transmit data infrequently.
• SigFox currently shows better efficacy at preventing 'replay' and 'man in the middle' attacks.

LoRa versus NB-IoT:

1. Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a licensed LTE technology created by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
2. It uses cellular technology for its networking.
3. LoRa uses unlicensed ISM bands, whereas NB-IoT uses a licensed portion of the spectrum.
4. NB-IoT is more expensive than LoRa.
5. LoRa uses less bandwidth.
6. LoRa has greater battery life.
7. LoRa has lower latency.

NB-IoT benefits from cellular-grade security mechanisms inherent to licensed LTE networks. LoRaWAN, however, implements end-to-end AES-128 encryption at both the network and application layers, providing strong security when correctly deployed.

LoRa vs. LoRaWAN: LoRa refers to the radio modulation technology, while LoRaWAN is the network protocol that defines how devices communicate with gateways and servers. LoRaWAN specifies device classes, security mechanisms, adaptive data rates, and network architecture. In practice, most LoRa-based IoT deployments use the LoRaWAN protocol.

915 MHz versus 433 MHz: Both the 915 MHz and 433 MHz frequency bands are used for low-power, wide-area networking. The 433 MHz band is subject to FCC restrictions in the US, meaning the 915 MHz band is preferentially used for this type of connectivity in North America. The 433 MHz band may be subject to less interference, as cordless phones and other appliances use the 915 MHz band as well as amateur radio. Their performance is almost equivalent, though the 915 MHz band has slightly less coverage and smaller antennas due to the shorter wavelength.

Conclusion

The 915 MHz ISM band has proven to be a robust and efficient foundation for low-power, wide-area networking in North America, with 868 MHz, 433 MHz, and 470 MHz serving the same role in other regions. LoRa technology enables scalable IoT deployments that balance range, energy efficiency, and cost. When paired with a properly designed and installed antenna — and a low-loss cable with the correct connector — LoRa networks can deliver reliable long-distance connectivity for years on a single battery. Browse Data Alliance's LoRa / 915 MHz antennas and matching antenna cables and adapters, or contact technical support for help matching an antenna and connector to your LoRaWAN deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the LoRa frequency bands?

LoRa operates in unlicensed ISM bands that vary by region: 915 MHz (902–928 MHz) in North America, 868 MHz in Europe, 433 MHz across much of Asia, and 470 MHz in China. Permitted channels, duty cycles, and transmit-power limits differ by regulator, so you must deploy on the band and antenna approved for your country.

What is LoRa and how does it work?

LoRa (Long Range) is a low-power, wide-area wireless technology that enables long-distance communication between IoT devices using minimal energy. It uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation to send small data packets over unlicensed frequency bands, achieving distances of up to 10–15 km (6–10 miles) with excellent power efficiency.

Why are antennas important for LoRa connectivity?

The antenna is a critical component in any LoRa network because it determines signal range, stability, and efficiency. A well-matched 915 MHz LoRa antenna maintains a reliable signal despite environmental obstacles. Because the 433 MHz band is restricted in the US, 915 MHz antennas are the primary option for LoRa communications in North America.

What are the main types of 915 MHz antennas used for LoRa?

Common LoRa antenna types include quarter-wave whip antennas (flexible and impact-resistant), stub and helical antennas (compact, for space-limited devices), swivel dipole antennas (adjustable for coverage), omnidirectional antennas (360-degree coverage), directional antennas (focused long-distance links), and co-linear antennas (high-gain omnidirectional for outdoor installs).

How does LoRa compare to SigFox and NB-IoT?

SigFox uses a simpler network structure with a lower data rate (100 bps) and limited two-way communication. NB-IoT runs on licensed LTE networks, offering higher security and cost but greater power consumption. LoRa uses unlicensed bands, providing longer battery life, lower cost, and flexible deployment for private networks.

What are the advantages of the 915 MHz band for IoT?

The 915 MHz band offers a balance between range, data rate, and obstacle penetration, allowing reliable long-range communication even in non-line-of-sight environments. Its unlicensed status simplifies deployment, and it supports applications such as agriculture, utility metering, environmental monitoring, and inventory tracking.

What makes LoRa ideal for IoT applications?

LoRa’s low power consumption, long range, and robust signal resilience make it an excellent choice for IoT networks where devices transmit small, infrequent packets. Battery-powered sensors can operate for up to 10 years, even in remote areas, and LoRa’s scalability lets thousands of devices communicate efficiently within a single network.