As the Federal Communications Commission nears a planned expansion of radio frequencies available to 5G cellular networks, U.S. aviation industry leaders are expressing concerns about potential safety issues linked to radio (radar) altimeter performance.
Aviation and Wireless Industries Clash Over Looming 5G C-band Changes
Key Takeaways:
- U.S. aviation leaders are expressing significant safety concerns about potential interference from new 5G C-band cellular networks with critical aircraft radar altimeters, warning of severe operational impacts like missed approaches and runway closures.
- The aviation industry urges FCC and FAA collaboration for solutions, while the wireless industry (CTIA) maintains that C-band 5G is safe, citing no evidence of harmful interference in existing global deployments.
- Both the FAA and FCC acknowledge public safety as a priority; the FAA shares deep concern and plans to issue a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin and airworthiness directive regarding the issue.
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