Using the Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-Gen2-US in Colombia: Frequency Compatibility and Performance

Hi there, it’s Juan again, your  Lead Tech Support specialist at Flytec Computers. The Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-Gen2-US is a popular 5 GHz airMAX AC bridge used for point to point wireless links, WISP deployments, building-to-building connectivity, camera backhaul, and long range outdoor networking. 

One common question from customers in Colombia is whether the US version can be used in Colombia. The answer is yes. The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US can be used in Colombia for many 5 GHz point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links because its US/CA frequency ranges match Colombia’s main 5 GHz WAS ranges for ISP applications. 

As with any outdoor wireless deployment, installers should configure the radio according to the applicable local requirements for channel selection, power level, antenna gain, DFS/TPC behavior, and link type. 

Why the US Version Works Well for Colombia 

The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US operates under the US/CA regulatory profile. That means the radio follows the channels and power settings allowed for the US version. It does not unlock every possible international frequency, but it does operate normally within the US frequency ranges. 

This is important because Ubiquiti airMAX devices are not blocked from operating simply because they are used outside the United States. The unit remains usable, but it stays limited to the US/CA regulatory profile. In Colombia, this is practical because the main 5 GHz frequency ranges line up with the ranges used for wireless access systems. 

In simple terms: the device works, and the available 5 GHz ranges match what Colombian WISPs and installers commonly need for 5 GHz wireless links. 

5 GHz Frequency Ranges: US Version and Colombia 

The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US supports these US/CA 5 GHz ranges:

• 5150 to 5250 MHz
• 5250 to 5350 MHz
• 5470 to 5725 MHz
• 5725 to 5850 MHz

Colombia’s ANE and MINTIC materials identify the 5150 to 5250 MHz, 5250 to 5350 MHz, 5470 to 5725 MHz, and 5725 to 5850 MHz ranges for WAS applications, including ISP point to point and point to multipoint links. 

Because the US/CA ranges on the PBE-5AC-Gen2-US line up with these Colombian WAS ranges, Colombian customers can use the PBE-5AC-Gen2-US with confidence for many 5 GHz point to point and point to multipoint deployments, while still configuring the device within the applicable local technical limits. 

What Channel Widths Are Available? 

The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US supports multiple channel widths depending on whether the link is used in point to point or point to multipoint mode. 

Point to Point Mode 

In PtP mode, the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 supports: 

• 10 MHz
• 20 MHz
• 30 MHz
• 40 MHz
• 50 MHz
• 60 MHz
• 80 MHz

This gives installers flexibility. Wider channels can provide higher throughput when the spectrum is clean. Narrower channels can be more stable in noisy areas or longer links. 

Point to Multipoint Mode 

In PtMP mode, the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 supports: 

• 10 MHz
• 20 MHz
• 30 MHz
• 40 MHz

For WISP networks, this is useful because PtMP deployments often prioritize stability, clean spectrum use, and predictable customer performance instead of only chasing the widest possible channel. 

What Speeds Can You Expect? 

Ubiquiti rates the PBE-5AC-Gen2-US for 450+ Mbps throughput and a 15+ km link range under ideal conditions. 

Actual performance depends on: 

• Link distance
• Fresnel zone clearance
• Noise and interference
• Channel width
• Signal strength
• Antenna alignment
• Ethernet cable quality
• Local power and configuration limits

For clean point to point links, wider channels such as 40, 60, or 80 MHz can deliver strong throughput. In noisier areas, 20 or 40 MHz may be the better choice because stability is often more important than maximum speed. 

For WISP deployments, the best setting is not always the widest channel. The best setting is the one that delivers the cleanest signal, lowest interference, and most reliable customer experience. 

Main Option: PBE-5AC-Gen2-US 

The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US is the main option for Colombian WISPs and installers who need a stronger 5 GHz bridge with a focused dish design. 

Key benefits include: 

• 5 GHz airMAX AC performance
• Up to 450+ Mbps throughput
• 25 dBi integrated dish antenna
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Passive 24V PoE
• Improved noise immunity
• Dedicated management WiFi radio
• Outdoor design for harsh environments
• Support for PtP and PtMP deployments

The PowerBeam design focuses RF energy in a tighter beam, which helps improve noise immunity. This makes it a strong option for longer links, rural deployments, WISP client links, and building to building wireless bridges. 

Important Note About Power Limits 

While the frequency ranges match well, installers should still follow the applicable local requirements for the installation type, frequency range, and allowed power levels. 

The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US remains under the US regulatory profile, which means the device uses the channels and power settings available to that version. The installer is responsible for configuring the radio properly and operating within the applicable technical conditions. 

Where the PBE-5AC-Gen2-US Fits Best 

The PBE-5AC-Gen2-US is ideal for: 

• WISP customer links
• Building to building bridges
• Rural internet deployments
• Camera backhaul
• Farm and industrial connectivity
• Remote site networking
• Long range outdoor PtP links

The combination of 5 GHz airMAX AC performance, a 25 dBi dish antenna, Gigabit Ethernet, and the same main 5 GHz frequency ranges used in Colombia makes it a practical and reliable choice for Colombian installers. 

Final Thoughts 

The Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-Gen2-US is a strong option for Colombia because the main 5 GHz frequency ranges available on the US version are essentially the same as the 5 GHz WAS ranges identified for ISP applications in Colombia. The device does not need to be unlocked to work. It remains usable under the US/CA regulatory profile, with the channels available to that version, while installers should still adjust power and configuration according to local requirements. 

For Colombian WISPs, installers, and network operators, this makes the PBE-5AC-Gen2-US a reliable option for 5 GHz point to point and point to multipoint links. Its focused dish design, 25 dBi antenna gain, Gigabit Ethernet, airMAX AC performance, and flexible channel width options make it a strong choice for outdoor wireless deployments that need stability, distance, and dependable throughput. 

You can order the PBE-5AC-Gen2-US directly from flyteccomputers.com. For help planning a link in Colombia, call 305-471-5142 with the link distance, mounting height, line of sight conditions, and expected bandwidth so the right channel width and deployment approach can be recommended.