FAA announces agreement with AT&T, Verizon to expand C-band 5G signals

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has reached an agreement with AT&T and Verizon to expand 5G service in a way that mitigates aircraft safety concerns, with the current issues centering around planned C-band spectrum that could bolster existing 5G coverage. As early as 2021, the FAA expressed concerns that the use of spectrum by operators such as Verizon and AT&T would interfere with aircraft safety mechanisms.

Last Friday, the FAA announced that it had reached an agreement with the carriers. Although AT&T and Verizon promised to create a two-mile "buffer zone" around some airport runways, the new announcement suggests the two sides are working to find a more long-term solution.

The FAA said in a statement that it "appreciates" the telecom companies' strong communication and cooperation in providing more precise data on the locations of wireless transmitters and a deeper look into how 5G signals interact with sensitive aircraft components.

"The FAA used this data to determine it is possible to safely and more accurately map the size and shape of areas around airports where 5G signals are mitigated, reducing areas where wireless carriers have delayed activating antennas. This will allow wireless communications providers to safely turn on more cell towers as they deploy new 5G service in major U.S. markets."

In addition to the FAA, airlines have also expressed concerns about the rollout of 5G. Earlier in January, a joint letter signed by 13 major airlines warned of "catastrophic disruption" if the rollout continues as planned.

The C-band spectrum is well suited to help expand 5G service in the United States and is currently being used in countries such as France without causing reports of disruptions to airline services.