Published
US regulators have requested a two-week extension from AT&T and Verizon to activate their new 5G frequencies. This follows concerns about potential disruption to aircraft systems.
The launch, initially slated for December 5th, faced a prior delay and was rescheduled for January 5th. However, recent apprehension from Airbus and Boeing regarding potential negative impacts on aircraft radio altimeters prompted further action.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA head Steve Dickson proposed this extended deadline in a letter to AT&T and Verizon, two key US carriers.
The letter urged a temporary suspension of C-Band commercial service for a maximum of two weeks beyond the January 5th target date.
They affirmed their intention to initiate service “as scheduled in January, with exceptions around main airports”, aiming for “a solution ensuring safe coexistence of C-band 5G and aviation in the US.”
Precautionary Steps
AT&T and Verizon acquired the 3.7-3.8 GHz bands in February after a multi-billion dollar auction. They deferred the launch to January following FAA concerns about potential altitude-measuring device interference, requesting further details on these instruments’ operational frequencies.
The FAA also implemented new guidelines restricting aircraft usage under specific conditions. US airlines expressed worries about potential financial repercussions, urging swift resolution.
In a joint November communication to the FCC, AT&T and Verizon detailed their January rollout plans incorporating extra safeguards until July 2022, exceeding legal requirements, while the FAA evaluates the situation.
(AFP)
:quality(70):focal(1387x551:1397x561)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/liberation/63B6YW63BZBRLF6BHGEM5DXGFI.JPG "with Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump propels an “arsonist” to the head of Justice – Libération")
