Last year, there were temporary limitations on the usage of 5G in airports due to security worries about interference with radio altimeters on flights. Recently, a group advocating for the airline sector has campaigned to make these restrictions permanent.
Verizon and AT&T acquired former satellite TV frequencies at the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) auction and converted them to 5G C-band. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that it might affect aircraft radio altimeters, though.
According to reports, as a result, the groups got into a very public and embarrassing disagreement.
Eventually, a compromise was reached that temporarily restricts the usage of 5G C-band in about 50 major airports. Aviation has until July 2023 to inspect older aircraft and, if necessary, replace their radio altimeters.
Aviation Group Now Wants 5G Restrictions to Be Permanent
Recently, a group advocating for the airline sector lobbied for the permanent continuation of these restrictions.
Aviation Spectrum Resources, Inc. (ASRI) has sent a letter to the FCC in which a legal firm expresses the views of other aviation organizations and businesses that met with the FCC earlier this month. Namely:
- Aerospace Industries Association
- Airlines for America
- Air Line Pilot Association International
- American Airlines
- ASRI
- Collins Aerospace
- Regional Airline Association
- Garmin International
- National Air Carrier Association
- Thales
The letter asks that some of the interim limits be made permanent and notes that so far there have been no unfavorable effects.
Verizon reportedly informed CNET that negotiations with the FCC are ongoing.
