FAA issues warning on potential safety risks from 5G deployments in C-band frequencies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) upped the ante in what has been an ongoing scuffle between communications regulators and the wireless industry with aviation stakeholders – as the agency issued a warning over potential interference to airplane safety systems from upcoming 5G deployments in C-band frequencies. The FAA released a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB), which provides information and recommendations for the aviation community about the risk of potential negative effects on certain aircraft safety equipment from the planned rollouts of 5G using C-band spectrum and advises that action might be needed. Wireless carriers paid big, in particular Verizon and AT&T at more than $45 and $23 billion respectively, to acquire new spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz range at auction earlier in 2021 that are seen as key for 5G services. The start of initial deployments in major US markets is expected just around the corner on December 5, 2021. “While the FAA continues to engage with other agencies to identify measures that would enable aviation and the newest generation of 5G cellular technology to safely coexist, the agency is simultaneously taking steps to provide aviation users with relevant safety information,” the agency stated. Specifically at question of the ongoing debate is interference with radio altimeters, which operate in the nearby 4.2-4.4 GHz band and help with key systems such as landing in bad weather, avoiding collisions and preventing crashes.