Why Airlines Are Fighting the 5G Rollout

the activation of C-Band frequencies by AT&T and Verizon means that improved 5G networks are now available for millions of Americans. The long-anticipated rollout began on January 19, but with one caveat: Both companies temporarily pushed back plans for 5G networks near certain airports after criticism from the Federal Aviation Administration and multiple airlines about interference from 5G repeaters affecting airline radio altimeters.

AT&T’s and Verizon’s C-Band frequencies primarily range from 3.7 to 3.98 GHz; airlines are concerned these mid-band waves may impact the radio altimeters that pilots use to know how far planes are from the ground. A recent statement from United Airlines says that, “when deployed next to runways, the 5G signals could interfere with the key safety equipment that pilots rely on to take off and land in inclement weather.” Two days before the 5G rollout, the trade organization Airlines for America sent a letter, signed by major airline CEOs, to US Transportation Department secretary Pete Buttigieg and others, urging them to intervene and stop 5G implementation within 2 miles of airports, something other countries have required as part of their own 5G rollouts.

When AT&T and Verizon postponed 5G by airports for six months, the companies emphasized the autonomy of their decision. In a statement to WIRED, an AT&T spokesperson says, “At our sole discretion we have voluntarily agreed to temporarily defer turning on a limited number of towers around certain airport runways as we continue to work with the aviation industry and the FAA to provide further information about our 5G deployment, since they have not utilized the two years they’ve had to responsibly plan for this deployment.”