In its latest update on 5G, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laid out last week a phased approach by which it says commercial air travel and 5G C-band deployment could co-exist, without interruption.
Companies like Verizon and AT&T have increasingly transitioned into 5G as a means of enhancing service, but concerns have stalked the moves, largely over how they might disrupt aviation. Now, however, the FAA said that operators of regional aircraft with radio altimeters most susceptible to interference would instead have to retrofit them with radio frequency filters swiftly. In return, wireless companies will continue to voluntary mitigate some aspects of 5G deployment until next year.
“We believe we have identified a path that will continue to enable aviation and 5G C-band wireless to safely co-exist,” Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen said. “We appreciate the willingness of Verizon and AT&T to continue this important and productive collaboration with the aviation industry.”
Filters and replacement units for the mainline commercial fleet will be emphasized over the year ahead, with a scheduled adoption date of July 2023. Filters and installation kits for affected aircraft have been under development and testing, and customers are just beginning to receive their first kits.
Once July 2023 comes around, wireless companies intend to operate their networks in urban areas with minimal restrictions, barring any further technical issues.