FAA following AT&T and Verizon demanded that small operators postpone 5G deployment due to risk of aircraft equipment disruption

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) agreed with AT&T and Verizon last summer to stop the deployment of 5G networks. Now the regulator demands the same from smaller operators.

Here's What We Know

We're talking about the deployment of fifth-generation C-band networks. The FAA has agreed with the two largest operators to delay the deployment of the lines until next July. The FAA now wants to extend the agreement to almost two dozen smaller operators and other frequency owners. A request to that effect has been made to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The reason for this decision is that 5G networks in the centimeter band can disrupt the operation of aircraft onboard equipment. In particular, radio altimeters, which are necessary to ensure safe landings in bad weather conditions. By the summer of next year airlines should solve the problem by upgrading the onboard equipment.

Back in early 2022, airlines said that the deployment of 5G C-Band lines could have disastrous consequences up to a complete halt of air traffic in the United States. Consequently, the operators agreed to make concessions.

Source: Reuters