The 5G Conundrum!

American airlines have gone into a full-fledged public outcry against the rollout of 5G networks across the US, especially around airports. The public spat has resulted in a temporary truce with AT&T and Verizon postponing the rollout next to airports. But they are pushing back and saying: “We are frustrated by the FAA’s inability to do what nearly 40 countries have done, which is to safely deploy 5G technology without disrupting aviation services. The battle is far from over". An update on 5G and why the airlines are squeamish.

5G is the next generation of mobile internet connection. It lets people download and upload data much more quickly, and allows more devices to access the mobile internet at the same time.

It relies on greater use of radio signals. In the US, the radio frequencies being used for 5G are in part of the spectrum known as C-Band.

These frequencies are close to the ones used by radio altimeters on aeroplanes, which measure the height of the aircraft above the ground, and also provide data for safety and navigation systems.

Planes won't be allowed to use radio altimeters in circumstances where there could be a risk of serious interference. But that will restrict the ability of some aircraft to land, for example, in poor visibility.

Other countries do not share same degree of concern That's because the way in which 5G is being rolled out varies from country to country.