The aviation industry and the US Federal Aviation Administration have raised concerns that 5G could interfere with sensitive aircraft electronics such as radio altimeters, which could delay or divert flights.
A US trade group representing major passenger and cargo airlines asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Thursday to halt the deployment of new 5G wireless service at some airport locations.
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AT&T and Verizon Communications are set to deploy C-band spectrum 5G wireless service on January 5, which they won in an $80 billion government auction. The aviation industry and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have raised concerns that 5G could interfere with sensitive aircraft electronics such as radio altimeters, which could delay or divert flights.
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Patricia Vercelli, general counsel for industry group Airlines for America, said in a memo seen by Reuters that the air carriers urge the FCC and FAA to “work together on practical solutions that prioritize the rollout of 5G technology while prioritizing security.” will enable and avoid any disruption in the aviation system.”
The group said the airlines’ petition is intended to preserve legal options, adding that ongoing discussions do not result in a settlement and warning the airlines there could be “massive disruption” to US aviation.
“We are committed to working in good faith to find a solution. But time is running out,” the airline group said.
Earlier this month, the group warned that up to 4% of US flights could be diverted, delayed or canceled due to 5G network interference.
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The FAA this month issued an airworthiness directive warning that 5G interference could result in flight changes.
The agency is preparing to issue a notice detailing the impact of the potential interference, but the release has been delayed as intense negotiations continue between the Biden administration, wireless carriers and the aviation sector.
Airlines for America, which represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, FedEx and other major carriers, says that if the FAA 5G directive were in effect in 2019, there would be approximately 345,000 passenger flights and 5,400 cargo flights. Delays, diversions or encounters. Cancellation.
In November, AT&T and Verizon delayed the commercial launch of C-band wireless service by a month until January 5 and adopted precautionary measures to limit interference.
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Aviation industry groups said this was insufficient. The aviation industry made a counterproposal that would limit cellular transmissions around airports and other important areas.
Wireless industry group CTIA said 5G is secure and the spectrum is being used in about 40 other countries.
The FAA declined to comment. The FCC and CTIA did not immediately comment.
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