OHIO — The launch of expanded 5G technology this week has led to concerns about high tech radio signals that could disrupt navigational systems on aircraft. Telecommunications companies, Verizon and AT&T, will proceed with their plans for the rollout, but not near the nation’s airports.
In a letter to federal officials Wednesday, the CEOs of 10 passenger and cargo airlines, including American, Delta, United and Southwest, said the wireless service will be more disruptive than they originally thought because dozens of large airports that were to have buffer zones to prevent 5G interference with aircraft will still be subject to flight restrictions announced last week by the FAA, and because those restrictions won’t be limited to times when visibility is poor.
“Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded,” the letter said.
The letter was addressed to Brian Deese; director of the National Economic Council; Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; FAA head Stephen Dickson; and Jessie Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission.
The new high-speed 5G service uses a segment of the radio spectrum that is close to that used by radio altimeters, which are devices that measure the height of aircraft above the ground, key during weather with poor visibility.
What do you need to know about how 5G will affect your life? Jay Wilhelm, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology.
Wilhelm spoke with Spectrum News about the impact of 5G wireless cellular technologies. Click the video link above to access the interview.
