AT&T and Verizon Delay 5G Launch Near Some Airports Amid Dire Warnings

‘Vast majority’ of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded, say U.S. airline CEOs.

Thom Patterson and Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 02:21 PM ET

Verified

AT&T agreed to delay its plans for deployment of 5G. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

AT&T and Verizon have temporarily delayed their 5G service rollout on newly available frequencies near certain airports.
This action addresses warnings from U.S. airlines and the FAA that 5G signals could interfere with aircraft radio altimeters, risking widespread flight disruptions and safety concerns.
The delay involves creating temporary buffer zones around key airports while stakeholders work to find a permanent solution, amidst frustration from telecom companies about the perceived slow pace of adaptation compared to other countries.

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AT&T and Verizon Communications on Tuesday said they would delay rolling out 5G service on newly available frequencies near some airports, a day after U.S. airlines warned of widespread disruptions in air travel.

It’s the latest development in the push and shove between the communications giants and the U.S. aviation industry over a 5G rollout that was originally planned for last month, but delayed until Wednesday.