For fear of devastating disruptions to flight operations, US mobile network operators are refraining from putting new antennas into operation for the new 5G mobile network.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned of possible interference from 5G transmission with sensitive aircraft electronics. For example, when landing, there could be interference with control devices such as the radio altimeter. According to the FAA, for example, the widespread long-haul aircraft Boeing 777 is affected.
Due to security concerns, the mobile phone companies AT&T and Verizon are initially not launching new 5G services near major US airports. Nevertheless, several airlines recently canceled flights to the USA or changed aircraft models at short notice out of concern that landings could be disrupted.
Background to the problem: In the USA, the new 5G mobile communications standard uses a frequency range that is close to the frequency bands used for radio altimeters. In Europe, on the other hand, a 5G spectrum that is further away from these frequency bands is generally used. Therefore, the EU aviation authority EASA sees no risk in the use of 5G.
For safe use in the USA, aircraft must be upgraded accordingly in order to be able to continue operating. Both Airbus and Boeing are said to be making corresponding updates. Despite this, airlines and the FAA expect some disruptions to flight operations.
Mobile operators in the US are maintaining buffer zones around around 50 airports due to security concerns. However, more than 90 percent of the new 5G radio masts, which enable significantly faster data transmission, will go into operation in the USA as planned. It’s unclear when the rest will follow.
This is the third time that AT&T and Verizon have had to postpone the launch.