The KA band uplink uses frequencies between 27.5Ghz and 31Ghz and the downlink uses frequencies between 18.3 and 18.8Ghz and between 19.7 and 20.2Ghz. KA band dishes are much smaller than C band dishes.

 

KA band dishes vary from 2' to 5' in diameter.

 

KA band satellites typically transmit with much more power than C band satellites.

 

The higher frequencies of KA band are significantly more vulnerable to signal quality problems caused by rainfall, known as rainfade.

 

The new KA orbital slots at 99°and 103°are centered symmetrically around the existing DIRECTV 101°slot.