Warning of “catastrophe” if 5G networks are used near airports

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Leaders of major U.S. airlines on Monday warned that fifth-generation networks could cause catastrophic damage in the transportation and shipping sectors if they operate as planned without restricting transfers to airports near airports in the United States tomorrow, Wednesday.

Verizon and AT&T have twice postponed the release of the new 5G C-band service, due to warnings from airlines and aircraft manufacturers concerned that the new telecommunications system could interfere with devices used to measure altimeters.

As the Federal Aviation Administration (FTI) noted on January 19, we urgently write to you requesting that 5G networks be enabled in the country, about two miles from the airport runways, ”the company leaders said in a letter. AFP. January 2022.

A letter to Transport Secretary Pete Boutique and government officials warned of an “economic catastrophe” if Verizon and AT&T continued to use the new technology before making the necessary upgrades and changes to the aircraft equipment.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Sunday that it has approved the operation of some transit stations within the fifth-generation shipping lanes because “48 airports most affected by frequency interference at 88” are protected.

But airlines fear the lack of measures covering all airports could cause major disruptions, including the cancellation of thousands of flights, which could halt commercial traffic in the country.

The letter called on authorities to “take all necessary measures to ensure that 5G is not used until the FAA decides how to do it safely and without catastrophic disruptions, when the towers are very close to the airport runways.”

The letter was signed by FedEx and UPS, the chief executives and shipping companies of “American”, “United”, “Delta” and “Southwest” airlines.

Verizon and AT&T have won multi-billion dollar deals to operate 5G networks in the United States, but the project has been delayed twice due to warnings from airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

Fifth generation service is scheduled to launch nationwide on January 19 if no agreement is reached with the airlines or the federal government suspends the telecom companies.