AT&T and Verizon have postponed their 5G C-band expansion rollout following the FAA's recent warning that using the new spectrum on flights could result in interference with aircraft safety systems. C-band spectrum is expected to help the two carriers expand their respective 5G networks as both are heavily reliant on low-band spectrum. Both companies were set to start rolling out the new spectrum starting December 5th, but that date will now be pushed back.
The decision of the two leading carriers follows the FAA's recent voicing of concerns over the use of the new 5G spectrum in regards to cockpit safety systems. According to the agency, the new spectrum could interfere with aviation safety systems, especially during takeoff and landing in bad weather. The agency also said that it is working with the FCC and the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) on any future course of action.
Verizon and AT&T are delaying the rollout of the 5G C-band to address the FAA's safety concerns, according to The Wall Street Journal. The report explains that AT&T has already released a statement confirming that it is postponing the planned rollout until January 5. While Verizon has yet to say anything officially, the report cites internal sources as saying that it has agreed to postpone its planned launch by "about a month."
The FAA is reportedly planning to soon issue advisories to the aviation industry regarding safety protocols that would help minimize the risk of interference. According to the WSJ, the agency is busy prepping "a special bulletin and accompanying mandates" that would designate certain autopilot features, including the ones that help planes land in poor weather, as 'in-risk' technology that could be potentially impacted by the new 5G spectrum rollout. None of the mandates or directives, however, are expected to be aimed at consumers, which means flyers are unlikely to be barred from using 5G cellphones in airplanes.
Even though flyers are not expected to be directly affected by the FAA advisory, it is likely to have a knock-on effect on flight schedules, especially in rough weather. According to the report, FAA's expected advisory, which could come as early as this week, could disrupt passenger and cargo flights in at least 46 of the country’s largest metropolitan areas. It is worth noting that the telecom industry has thus far denied that the 5G spectrum in question has any negative impact on aviation safety or interferes with flight equipment in any way.
Source: WSJ
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