Fearing that 5G deployment will affect aviation safety! US aviation agencies and telecommunications agencies are in dispute

Although 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication technology) is a new generation of broadband mobile communication technology with the characteristics of high speed, low latency and large connection, it has been questioned when deployed in Europe, the United States and other regions. There was even a rumor that 5G could spread the new coronavirus.

According to foreign media reports, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is preparing to issue a warning to pilots and airlines that a new 5G wireless service may interfere with aircraft cockpit safety systems and automation systems. The service will be launched in early December.

The report noted that the FAA is drafting a special bulletin and related authorizations stating that certain automated features that pilots use to help aircraft fly and land may be affected by signal towers on the ground that transmit new 5G signals.

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The FAA noted that cockpit systems are common in modern air travel and can help aircraft land in bad weather, prevent crashes and avoid mid-air collisions. If commercial pilots are unable to use these features, it could lead to the cancellation, delay or diversion of a large number of flights in 46 countries where 5G signal towers are located.

However, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) refuted the security issues, saying that after reviewing the potential impact on aviation safety, it formulated spectrum usage rules in early 2020, and existing evidence does not support the conclusion that 5G networks will interfere with aviation safety.

At the heart of the dispute is a band of radio spectrum between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz that is ideal for 5G transmissions and is already used by mobile phone networks in other countries.

Under spectrum use rules established by the FCC in March 2020, wireless companies may deploy 5G towers that transmit between the 3.7 and 4.2 GHz bands as early as December 5 of this year.

Aviation equipment operates in the nearby frequency band of 4.2 to 4.4 GHz, so the FAA feels that the possibility of interference is increased. In addition, the FAA also wants the FCC to share specific data on the location, power and angle of 5G signal towers. However, the FCC does not seem willing to do so.

The FAA said more specific information would allow it to issue more targeted, less disruptive warnings. In addition to commercial jets, the agency is concerned about potential interference with small private aircraft, including medical helicopters landing at hospitals.

Meredith Attwell Baker, president of the CTIA (CTIA), said 5G networks can operate securely without causing harmful interference, and the industry already uses controversial wireless spectrum in 40 countries.

Regarding the dispute between the two agencies, an insider revealed that since August this year, the FCC and FAA staff have been discussing the issue every week. As both sides refused to give in, the White House finally intervened and mediated.