Following are the frequency ranges used in satellite communications. See also optical bands.

 L-band (390 MHz-1.55 GHz)
 GPS satellites, satellite phones,
 misc commsats,
 SETI outer space exploration

 S-band (1.55-5.2 GHz)
 weather satellites, XM/Sirius radio

 C-band (3-7 GHz)
 misc GEO commsats, cable TV distribution,
 satellite TV (large 7-10 ft. steerable dishes),
 first band for communications satellites

 X-band (8-12 GHz)
 misc commsats

 Ku-band (11-15 GHz)
 TV network satellite distribution, misc commsats,
 satellite TV (small 18" dishes)

 Ka-band (18-40 GHz)
 misc commsats, satellite phone backhaul