5G rollout slowed amidst airline industry concerns

US mobile networks AT&T and Verizon have had to delay their expansion of 5G services in the US once again, despite plans to expand operations this week. This comes after leading US airlines have expressed concerns over the rollout of 5G in the country, citing potential disruptions to critical safety and navigation systems.

Specifically, the radio signals used for 5G could interfere with radio altimeters that measure the plane’s height above ground, which is critical for safe landing.

US regulators have responded with various measures, such as establishing temporary buffer zones around 50 airports and identifying which altimeters can be used safely in areas where 5G has been deployed. However, airlines are not convinced – they claim the 5G network should not be activated at all within two miles of affected airports.

With this being the third time the mobile firms have had to postpone the 5G rollout, the latest hold-up has understandably created significant frustration.

BBC News – 5G phones: How serious is the threat to US flights?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60042178