The airline industry declared a “catastrophic” event could happen Wednesday as AT&T and Verizon activate their new C-Band 5G networks. In a letter obtained by , CEOs of several prominent passenger and cargo airlines, including Delta, United and Southwest, warned that interference from 5G cell towers could affect sensitive safety equipment on their plane.
“Unless our main hubs are cleared to fly, the majority of commuters and public transport will essentially be in place,” they stated in the letter to the heads. White House Economic Council, Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications. Commission, as well as Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Immediate intervention is needed to avoid significant operational disruptions to airline passengers, shippers, supply chains and supplies of needed medical supplies.”
Airlines have asked AT&T and Verizon not to provide 5G service within 2 miles of some of the country’s busiest and most important airports. They are also urging the federal government to ensure “5G is deployed unless the towers are too close to an airport runway until the FAA can determine how that can be done safely without being disrupted.” severe disruption”. establishment of 5G buffer zone at 50 airports on January 7.
The letter is the latest development in the back and forth between the airline and wireless industries. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon spent in early 2021 to secure the re-regular C-Band spectrum that the FCC has put up for auction. In November, AT&T and Verizon agreed deployed their C-Band through January 5 to help the FAA address any interference concerns. Then they proposed to limit the power near airports and agree to go to a place further away on January 4th.
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