New 5 G wireless safety measures inadequate: aviation industry

WASHINGTON, Dec 6, Reuters - The US aviation industry said on Monday new precautionary measures offered by AT&T and Verizon Communications were insufficient to address air safety concerns raised by the planned use of C-Band spectrum for 5 G wireless.

The Aerospace Industries Association said in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel that the plans are inadequate and far too narrow to ensure the safety and economic vitality of the aviation industry. The Federal Aviation Administration FAA and the industry have raised concerns about possible interference of 5 G with sensitive aircraft electronics like radio altimeters.

The FCC, the FAA and Verizon did not immediately make a statement. AT&T didn't make a statement.

An aviation coalition, including major airlines and airplane makers, met with the White House and other agencies on Friday and presented a proposal for additional safeguards.

The letter said the aviation proposal provides additional safeguards in, around and on the approach to airports and heliports. The FAA is about to issue two airworthiness directives by the end of Tuesday, highlighting safety issues that could arise from 5 G interference.

The FAA issues notices that take into account AT&T and Verizon mitigation efforts, but final instructions to airlines about potential impacts and ways to comply are not expected until later in the day.

AT&T and Verizon said on November 24 they had pledged to take additional steps to minimize energy coming from 5 G base stations nationwide and to an even greater degree around public airports and heliports. AT&T and Verizon agreed to delay commercial launch of C-band wireless service until January 5 after the FAA issued a Nov. 2 bulletin warning that it may be necessary to address the potential interference.

Wireless groups argue that there have been no C-Band aviation safety issues in other countries using the spectrum.