AT’s airline and wireless operators

For weeks, the Federal Aviation Administration and airline industry stakeholders have clashed over the fact that the deployment of so-called C-band 5G spectrum would lead to a malfunction of radio meters on planes.

This is a vital component of an aircraft as it allows you to land in low-visibility situations, while letting you know how far you are from the ground. But a last-minute deal between the aviation industry and AT

So how did wireless lines and airlines get to disaster?

Perhaps the most important information on this total matter is that it is still possible to fly safely. While the 5G interference option was real and still exists for some flights, the airline and AT industry

In fact, the FAA and airlines had to hijack flights or cancel them altogether in cases where the slightest threat of protection issues similar to 5G interference was possible.

Frustratingly, this total incident may have been avoided. The challenge began in 2020 when the Federal Communications Commission auctioned off the wireless spectrum that AT would allow.

Carriers already have 5G capabilities, but they’re only greater than existing or incredibly fast 4G LTE speeds, but they have limited range. rank.

However, a few days before the auction, the FAA raised the consideration that the radio frequencies used in those new 5G deployments were too similar to those used through the aircraft’s radio meters. In theory, this could cause 5G signals to disrupt an aircraft’s altimeter. , hindering their ability at how far they are from the ground in situations of poor visibility.

More than an afternoon, AT

On Jan. 3, the carriers agreed to halt the deployment for two weeks while the FAA investigated the possibility of interference.

Since then, in

This resolution has moved away from what could have been a major disruption to the airline industry, but it may take a heavy toll on AT.

Criticism of the resolution of suspension of deployments in European airports where 5G is available and there have been no incidents with radio altimeters.

The FAA, however, says European mobile sites are very different from those used in the United States. For example, American towers are oriented horizontally to maximize range, while some European towers are tilted downward due to interference issues.

U. S. Mobile Sites U. S. agencies are also more difficult than their European counterparts, which may increase the threat of disruptions.

The firm also claims that buffer zones established at U. S. airports are not in the same way. The U. S. is smaller than those that have been established lately in Europe.

For now, the FAA and FCC have been granted a six-month deferral in which they will have to find a way to make sure any concerns about potential 5G interference are unfounded or can be resolved with new solutions.

But if they let the deal simmer for another year or more, we’ll be at the beginning of a travel disaster imaginable, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed. Now it is up to the company and the commission to get work.

Sign up for the Yahoo Finance Tech newsletter

More by Dan

Intel’s $20 billion Ohio plant probably wouldn’t end chip shortages overnight

With the Activision Blizzard deal, Microsoft’s Game Pass is now huge for Sony

Microsoft ‘launched a megayacht’ for Activision Blizzard employees

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube and reddit

Do you have any advice? Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance. com, encrypted mail at danielphowley@protonmail. com, and twitter him at @DanielHowley.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences.