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 Communications have voluntarily delayed their 5G rollout on newly available frequencies near certain airports.
This decision followed warnings from U.S. airlines and the FAA that the 5G service could interfere with aircraft radio altimeters, potentially causing widespread flight cancellations and delays.
The telecom companies expressed frustration, arguing the FAA has had two years to prepare and that 5G operates safely near airports in other countries.
President Biden praised the temporary agreement, which aims to protect flight safety and prevent significant disruptions while a permanent solution is sought.

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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.