5G network will disrupt thousands of daily flights – U.S airlines

In recent years, 5G communication is slowly becoming part of our everyday life. Most of the mobile phones currently released in China also support the 5G frequency band. Presently, the package tariffs for other connectivity are decreasing. Nevertheless, there are areas that are still struggling with 5G development. The U.S. is one of such areas. The development of 5G network in the U.S. has not been smooth. Cutting off Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and ZTE means that U.S. carriers do not have access to cheap alternatives. However, this is not the only reason for the slow development of 5G in the U.S. The American society is yet to fully embrace 5G. While some still believe that 5G has links to viruses, the aviation industry also opposes 5G. 

Recently, the CEOs of some of the largest U.S. passenger and cargo airlines warned against the use of 5G in the U.S. They believe that the 5G services that U.S. telecom operators are preparing could trigger an aviation crisis. Major U.S. airlines, led by American Airlines, Delta, and others, have warned that the spectrum for 5G wireless services could disrupt thousands of daily flights. This, in their estimation, will cause a $1.6 billion loss due to flight delays.

U.S. Aviation industry is skeptical about 5G network

According to reports, operators are expected to postpone the use of c-band for 5G wireless services. This band has an impact on the use of radio altimeters at airports, thereby affecting the communication between airports and flights. This will obviously affect the smooth operation of the aviation industry. 

However, it is important to note that the airlines are not opposing the use of 5G. However, it is hoping that operators will not deploy relevant base stations near the airport to prevent interference with the normal take-off and landing of flights. Telecom operators claim that 5G has been put into use in more than 40 countries around the world. They argue that the operation is safe, orderly and will not affect the aviation industry.

Previously, FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) had warned that 5G has potential adverse effects on aircraft systems. Under the influence of the FAA, US operators AT&T and Verizon agreed to suspend the introduction of the new C-band 5G spectrum.

Meredith Attwell Baker, President, and CEO of CTIA, a wireless communications trade organization, pointed out that “5G signals operate in the spectrum adjacent to aviation equipment. American Airlines fly in and out of these countries every day. If interference is possible, we should have seen it…We have added a layer of protection in the United States, called a guard band, which is hundreds of times greater than the isolation that exists between wireless and other critical spectrum users”.