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. The Ka band is branch of the K band from the electromagnetic spectrum. The term “Ka-band” is from Kurz-above, which originates from the German phrase “kurz” implying short.

Ka band dishes can be 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.