Abstract: An alumina based dielectric ceramic composition comprising a base material and an additive material. The base material is represented by the general formula (x) Al2O3+(y) TiO2 wherein x and y are percentages of the total weight of the base material, and x is in the range of about 60 to about 96, more preferably about 94 to about 96, and y is in the range of about 4 to about 40, more preferably about 4 to about 6. In one embodiment the additive material comprises Nb2O5. In a second embodiment the additive material further comprises at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of BaCO3, SnO2, Mn2O3, MnCO3, Mg(OH)2, and Y2O3. The composition requires a relatively lower peak soak temperature (as compared to conventional alumina ceramics) of about 1320 to about 1400° C., more optimally about 1350 to about 1370° C., and is particularly suited for use in high frequency applications.