Pressure Mounts on Feds to Delay 5G C-Band Deployment

Thom Patterson

Tuesday, November 09, 2021 at 09:59 PM ET

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Aviation leaders are concerned about potential safety issues linked to radio (radar) altimeter performance. Adobe Stock

Key Takeaways:

Aviation industry groups are pressuring the U.S. government to delay 5G C-band deployment due to concerns about potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters and aviation safety.
A coalition of aerospace manufacturers, airlines, and pilot organizations called for a delay and the formation of a joint industry working group to ensure safety and find long-term solutions.
Major cellular providers, AT&T and Verizon, have voluntarily postponed their 5G C-band rollout until January 5 to further assess any impact on aviation safety technologies.
The FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advising aircraft operators and pilots to assess risks related to 5G C-band deployment and radio altimeter performance.

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Pressure from the aviation industry mounted on the federal government Tuesday to delay deployment of 5G technology to the C-band frequency spectrum owing to concerns about potential safety issues linked to radio (radar) altimeter performance.

NBAA and AOPA joined a coalition of leading aerospace manufacturers, airlines, pilots, and operators calling for a delay of the December 5 deployment until “the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System is ensured.”