Technical Update: Enhanced 5G SA n28 (700MHz) Detection
Published: February 2026 | Developer: theBFGuk
The Problem: Frequency Overlap
A common hurdle in mobile network diagnostics is the 700MHz spectrum. Because this frequency is shared between legacy 4G (Band 28) and modern 5G (n28), many Android devices and diagnostic tools incorrectly default to LTE terminology, even when connected to a 5G Standalone (SA) core.
The Engineering Fix
I have overhauled the internal mapping logic to prioritize NR-ARFCN (New Radio Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) verification over standard broadcast strings. This ensures that users on UK networks like O2 and Vodafone see accurate 5G metrics.
- Precision Mapping: Identifies n28 correctly during 5G SA drive tests.
- Legacy Avoidance: Suppresses “Ghost” LTE-B28 labels when 5G signaling is active.
- Improved Handover Logs: Faster detection of frequency shifts between mid-band (n78) and low-band (n28) coverage.
[Screenshot of n28 Signal Metric Dashboard in CellInfo App]
This update is crucial for engineers verifying 5G coverage parity in rural areas and deep-indoor environments where 700MHz is the primary carrier. For more details on these metrics, visit our Glossary.
— theBFGuk (Lead Developer, FastTech)