[ad_1]
activating The C-Band frequencies from AT&T and Verizon mean that enhanced 5G networks are now available to millions of Americans. The long-awaited deployment began on January 19, but with one caveat: both companies have temporarily postponed plans for 5G networks near certain airports following criticism from the Federal Aviation Administration and a number of airlines for interfering with 5G repeaters affecting airline radio altimeters.
The frequencies of the C-Band of AT&T and Verizon vary mainly from 3.7 to 3.98 GHz; airlines are concerned that these midrange waves could affect radio altimeters, which pilots use to know how far planes are from the ground. A recent statement from United Airlines said that “when deployed near runways, 5G signals could interfere with key safety equipment that pilots rely on to take off and land in bad weather.”
Two days before the introduction of 5G, Airlines for America sent a letter signed by the CEOs of the airlines to US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigig and others, urging them to intervene and stop the implementation of 5G within 2 miles from airports, something in other countries. have required as part of their own 5G deployments.
When AT&T and Verizon postponed 5G from airports for six months, the companies emphasized the autonomy of their decision. A spokesman for AT&T told WIRED: “In our sole discretion, we have voluntarily agreed to temporarily postpone the inclusion of a limited number of towers around certain runways at airports as we continue to work with the aviation industry and the FAA to provide additional information on our deployment. of 5G, as they did not use the two years they had to plan responsibly for this deployment. “
A similar comment from Verizon on the situation focused on how the company “voluntarily decided” to stop the implementation and pointed to the FAA and the airlines for not preparing to deal with 5G frequencies, “although it is safe and fully operational in more than 40 other countries “
For its part, the FAA is trying to figure out which radio altimeters they will make no to be affected by the implementation of 5G. When the C-Band was launched near airports, Boeing 787 operators were advised by the FAA to use additional precautions during storms. If necessary, aircraft can be upgraded with improved altimeters to help land in low visibility situations.
According to a statement from the FAA, “The agency has approved two models of radio altimeters, which are installed in a wide variety of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. This combination of aircraft approval and altimeter opens runways at as many as 48 of the 88 airports most directly affected by 5G C-Band interference. The Boeing 777, which is widely used by both US and global airlines, is not yet on the FAA’s list of approved aircraft models.
President Joe Biden issued a statement thanking AT&T and Verizon for the delay. It said: “This agreement will avoid potentially devastating disruptions to passenger travel, freight operations and our economic recovery, while allowing more than 90 percent of wireless tower deployments to happen on schedule.
[ad_2]
Source link