According to the sources from Reuters, the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA has raised severe concerns regarding the plan to use spectrum for 5G wireless networks or aviation safety. The sources also claimed that FAA is planning to issue a formal warning about the same. The aviation industry has been constantly raising their voices against the plan to use the C-Band spectrum for the last year. Currently, the use of spectrum by the network carriers is expected to start from December 5th in 46 markets.
Is the Use of 5G Network in C-Band Spectrum Safe?
Bradley Mims, deputy administrator of FAA, earlier on October 6th shared in a letter that the deep concern about the potential impact to aviation safety resulting from interference to the radar altimeter performance from 5G network operations in the C-Band.
Even the Federal Communications Commission is looking to continue the agency's successful track records by committing themselves to ensure air safety while at the same time using new technologies to support American business and consumer needs. The sources claimed that FAA and FCC officials have held various discussions about the matter and FAA even had a lengthy meeting on October 14th with the aviation industry.
According to the report from Reuters, a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin and an airworthiness directive on the issue are being planned to be released by the FAA. However, wireless trade group CTIA claimed that 5G networks can safely use C-Band spectrums citing various other active 5G networks which are currently being used in 40 countries. They said that 5G networks can be used without causing harmful interference to aviation equipment.
The aviation industry talked about a long-term solution being retrofitting some altimeters but also recognized the fact that it would take years to be executed and many civil aircraft are not likely to be impacted.
