French Airports May Offer Ideas to Fix the 5G Mess

As aviation struggles with wireless companies over 5G, here’s how other countries handle it.

Thom Patterson

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 03:39 PM ET

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France requires more robust restrictions on 5G infrastructure near airports. [Photo: FLYING]

Key Takeaways:

A dispute exists between the U.S. aviation industry and wireless carriers over 5G deployment near airports, driven by FAA safety concerns that 5G frequencies could interfere with aircraft radio altimeters, potentially causing flight disruptions and catastrophic consequences.
This conflict led to 5G deployment delays around key airports and the establishment of temporary buffer zones, despite wireless carriers arguing that 5G operates safely near airports in many other countries.
The FAA points to specific differences in international 5G deployments, such as lower power levels and larger buffer zones in France, contrasting with the U.S. approach.
Experts remain divided on the scientific validity of the interference risk, with some dismissing the concerns as "overblown" while others highlight a "major risk," requiring ongoing efforts for a permanent resolution.

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The messy struggle between the U.S. aviation industry and wireless giants AT&T (NYSE:T) and Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) on how to deploy 5G cellphone service on newly available frequencies continues to create fallout and questions.

Some of the questions surround AT&T’s contention that other countries have safely deployed 5G wireless service around airports without disrupting aviation.