US FAA issues impact notices of 5G on aviation

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published notices that outlined the extent of potential impact of new 5G wireless service on sensitive aircraft electronics. The FAA has been in discussion with airplane manufacturers, airlines, and wireless carriers to reduce the impact of 5G wireless service that is set to begin on January 19, 2022. AT&T and Verizon are the two companies that won nearly all of the C-Band spectrum in last year’s auction and agreed to buffer areas around 50 airports to reduce the risk of interference. The companies also agreed to delay deployment for two weeks in order to avert an aviation safety standoff. The notice detailed that aircraft with untested altimeters or that need retrofitting or replacement will be unable to perform low-visibility landings where 5G network is deployed.