The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has reached agreements with AT&T and Verizon to expand 5G service in a way that mitigates aircraft safety concerns, currently centered around planned C-band spectrum that could bolster existing 5G coverage. As early as 2021, the FAA expressed concern that the use of spectrum by carriers such as Verizon and AT&T would interfere with aircraft safety mechanisms.
On Friday, the FAA announced that it had reached an agreement with the carrier. While AT&T and Verizon have pledged to build a two-mile “buffer” around some airport runways, the new announcement suggests both parties are working toward a longer-term solution.
In a statement, the FAA said it “appreciates” the telecommunications companies for their robust communication and cooperation, which provided more precise data on the location of wireless transmitters and a more in-depth study of how 5G signals interact with sensitive aircraft parts.
“The FAA uses this data to determine the potential to safely and more accurately map the size and shape of areas around airports where 5G signals are mitigated, narrowing areas where wireless carriers have delayed activating antennas, which will allow wireless providers to deploy new technologies in key U.S. markets. more base stations can be safely turned on when 5G services are available.”
In addition to the FAA, airlines have also expressed concerns about the rollout of 5G. Earlier in January, a joint letter signed by 13 major airlines warned of “catastrophic disruption” if the rollout continued as planned. C-band spectrum, ideal for helping expand 5G service in the U.S., is currently used in countries such as France, but there have been no reports of disruptions to aviation services.