If you are deploying an Internet of Things (IoT) project in the UK, the first technical hurdle you will encounter is Frequency. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which operate on globally harmonised 2.4 GHz bands, LoRaWAN operates on sub-gigahertz frequencies that vary by region.
Buying the wrong hardware is a common and costly mistake. A sensor designed for the US market will not only fail to connect to a UK gateway but is also illegal to operate here.
At Concept13, we exclusively supply hardware optimised for the UK and European market. In this guide, we break down exactly which frequencies you need to know, the Ofcom regulations that govern them, and why “Duty Cycle” is the most important rule in the book.
The Quick Answer
What LoRa frequency is used in the UK? The UK uses the EU868 frequency plan, which operates in the 863 to 870 MHz band.
-
Default Channels: Most uplink traffic (sensor to gateway) occurs on 868.1 MHz, 868.3 MHz, and 868.5 MHz.
-
Power Limit: The standard transmission power is limited to 25 mW (14 dBm).
-
Duty Cycle: Devices are generally restricted to transmitting for only 1% of the time to prevent network congestion.
The EU868 Frequency Band Explained
In the United Kingdom, the radio spectrum is managed by Ofcom. LoRaWAN operates in a license-free band known as the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band.
Because this band is license-free, anyone can use it without paying a fee, provided they adhere to strict rules defined in IR 2030 (Ofcom’s Interface Requirement) and the ETSI EN 300 220 standard.
The Channel Plan
While the band covers 863-870 MHz, LoRaWAN devices do not transmit randomly across this entire spectrum. They follow a specific channel plan to ensure they can “find” the gateway.
-
The Join Channels (868.1 – 868.5 MHz): Every LoRaWAN device sold in the UK must communicate on these three primary channels. When you turn on a sensor, it sends its “Join Request” here.
-
The Downlink/High-Power Band (869.525 MHz): This specific frequency is often used by the gateway to send messages back to the sensor (e.g., “turn valve off”). It allows for higher power (up to 500 mW) and a higher duty cycle (10%) to ensure the gateway can talk to many sensors at once.
Understanding “Duty Cycle” (The 1% Rule)
If you are developing an application, this is the most critical constraint to understand. You cannot transmit data continuously.
To ensure fair access for everyone, regulations impose a Duty Cycle limit, typically set at 1% for the primary channels.
-
What this means: If your sensor transmits a message that takes 1 second to send (Time on Air), it must then stay silent for 99 seconds before it can speak again.
-
The Consequence: LoRaWAN is not suitable for live video or real-time streaming. It is designed for small packets of data sent periodically (e.g., every 15 minutes).
If you violate this rule, professional gateways may reject your traffic, and you risk creating interference that blocks other users in your area.
The “Grey Import” Danger: US915 vs EU868
A frequent issue we see arises when companies purchase hardware from global marketplaces like Amazon or Alibaba without checking the frequency plan.
-
UK/Europe: Uses 868 MHz.
-
USA/Canada: Uses 915 MHz (902-928 MHz band).
These two bands are physically incompatible. A 915 MHz sensor cannot “hear” an 868 MHz gateway. Furthermore, the 915 MHz band in the UK is reserved for mobile telecommunications (GSM/LTE). Operating US-spec LoRaWAN equipment in the UK is illegal and can cause interference with mobile phone networks.
Always ensure your datasheet specifies “EU868” or “868 MHz” compatibility. All LoRaWAN Sensors sold by Concept13 are certified for UK operation.
Why 868 MHz is Superior for Buildings
You might wonder why we don’t just use 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi frequency) for everything. The answer lies in physics: Lower Frequency = Better Penetration.
Radio waves at 868 MHz have a longer wavelength than 2.4 GHz waves. This allows them to:
-
Pass through concrete: Ideal for monitoring basements and plant rooms.
-
Bend around obstacles: Better coverage in cluttered warehouses.
-
Travel further: A single gateway can cover kilometers in open countryside.
This physics advantage is why a single LoRaWAN Gateway can often replace dozens of Wi-Fi repeaters.
Conclusion
Frequency compliance is the foundation of any successful IoT project. By sticking to the harmonised EU868 standard and respecting the 1% duty cycle, you ensure your network is legal, reliable, and capable of coexisting with millions of other smart devices.
At Concept13, we remove the guesswork. Every gateway, sensor, and base station we stock is fully compliant with UK regulations.
-
Planning a deployment? Our LoRaWAN Mapping Services can help you predict coverage before you buy.
-
Need compliant hardware? Browse our range of UK-Ready Gateways.
-
Technical Questions? Contact Concept13 for advice on channel planning and network configuration.
