The journey to 5G is having a turbulent takeoff in the US.
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Whats causing the problem?
However, theres one big problem with it: the frequencies areclose to those used by sensitive aviation instruments.
What could this do to planes?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also raised concerns.
On Monday, the bosses of some of Americas biggest airlines expressed further anxieties.
Emiratespresident Tim Clark was a more vociferous critic.He told CNN that the rollout was utterly irresponsible.
“This is one of the most delinquent, utterly irresponsible issues I’ve seen in my aviation career.
The evidence that 5G interferes with any of these systems remains unclear, however.
Studies on the riskshave produced conflicting results.
Further investigations into the potential dangers are ongoing.
What does the aviation industry want?
AT&T and Verizon have agreed to postpone switching on new telecom masts near some US airports.
In a statement, President Joe Biden thanked the companies for their response.
He said the move had delayed the activation of only 10% of 5G tower locations in the country.
The next step is agreeing on a permanent solution.
The FAA, meanwhile, is working to clear aircraft for instrument landings.
What are the telecoms firms saying?
AT&T and Verizon have invested heavily in C-band.
In 2021, the wireless carriers spent around $80 billion on licenses for the spectrum.
Both companies say their networks will not interfere with aircraft.
The duo has agreed to postpone the rollout and address the airlines fears but they clearly arent happy.
Why is this only a big problem in the US?
The issues havent affected other countries as badly because they dont use the same 5G frequencies as the US.
InEurope, for instance, the connection operates on a wavelength that is less likely to cause interference.
Critics have also pointed the finger at the federal government.
Theyve blamedthe Trump administrationfor failing to create a national spectrum policy andthe Biden administrationfor the chaotic rollout.
Somehow, Europes collection of crappy governments has avoided such problems.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
