There were temporary restrictions on 5G use at airports last year due to safety concerns regarding interference with airplanes' radio altimeters. Now, a group speaking for the airline industry has recently pushed for these limits to be made permanent.
FCC vs. FAA
When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held an auction, Verizon and AT&T bought previous satellite TV frequencies and transformed them into 5G C-band. However, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated it could interfere with aircraft radio altimeters.
As a result, the groups got into a very public and embarrassing argument, according to 9to5Mac.
Eventually, a deal that temporarily limits 5G C-band use in around 50 major airports was established. Aviation has until July 2023 to check older planes and install new radio altimeters if necessary.
Aviation Group Now Wants Permanent 5G Restrictions
A body speaking for the airline industry has recently pushed for these limitations to continue in place indefinitely.
A legal company has written a statement on behalf of Aviation Spectrum Resources, Inc. (ASRI) to the FCC, which echoes the opinions of other aviation groups and companies that met with the FCC earlier this month. Namely:
- Aerospace Industries Association
- Airlines for America
- Air Line Pilot Association International
- American Airlines
- ASRI
- Collins Aerospace
- Regional Airline Association
- Garmin International
- National Air Carrier Association
- Thales
The letter requests that some of the temporary restrictions be made permanent, noting that the restrictions have had no negative impact thus far.
Reportedly, Verizon told CNET that talks with the FCC are in progress.
Background: Former Frequencies for Satellite TV Turned Into 5G Tech
Satellite television was essentially put out of business due to the widespread adoption of cable and fiber-based TV services. That meant that the frequencies that had been used for those broadcasts in the past may now be made available for other uses.
The FCC, which controls the use of radio frequencies, held an auction for the rights to utilize certain frequencies after determining that they were fit for use with 5G technology. Verizon and AT&T spent a combined total of $68 million to acquire the rights to what was referred to as the 5G C-band at the time.
Background: FAA Fears 5G Could Interfere With Radio Altimeters
The FAA, another government entity, seems to have learned of this information after the event took place. It was stated that there was a potential for interference between the 5G C-band spectrum and radio altimeters.
Radio altimeters, which are typically found on airplanes and other types of aircraft, work by sending a radio signal to the ground and then timing how long it takes for the signal to return. The final approach and landing both use this type of altimeter, which is significantly more accurate than pressure-based altimeters.
When visibility is low, it is extremely significant because of the role it performs in certain circumstances.
Concerns regarding the dangers of C-band interference have been raised by the FAA as early as 2015. However, it appears that the FAA did not convey these concerns directly to the FCC until much later.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Trisha Kae Andrada
