AT&T and Verizon delay launching 5G near some airports as airlines plead for Joe Biden to intervene
Airlines estimate 1,000 flight disruptions per day because of possible interference with radar altimeters that pilots use to land in low visibility conditions.
AT&T and Verizon will delay activating 5G near some major airports as airlines caution that it will cause serious repercussions for travel and the economy.
The wireless technology’s debut had been planned for Wednesday, despite airlines warning it would cause safety problems and lead to major flight delays.
In a Tuesday letter, CEOs from 10 airlines told the Biden administration to push back the already-delayed rollout.
Airlines estimate 1,000 flight disruptions per day because of possible interference with radar altimeters that pilots use to land in low visibility conditions.
The telecom industry has said fears are unfounded, and that the over 40 countries that have deployed 5G have not seen such issues.
AT&T made the announcement Tuesday, with spokesperson Megan Ketterer telling CNN: ‘We are frustrated by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) inability to do what nearly 40 countries have done, which is to safely deploy 5G technology without disrupting aviation services, and we urge it do so in a timely manner.’
In a separate statement Verizon said ‘As the nation’s leading wireless provider we have voluntarily decided to limit our 5G network around airports. The FAA and our nation’s airlines have not been able to fully resolve navigating 5G around airports, despite it being safe and fully operational in more than 40 countries.’
Both providers plan to continue launching advanced 5G services elsewhere.
A White House official told CNN that the administration is talking with the FAA, Federal Communications Commission, wireless carriers, airlines and aircraft equipment manufacturers to find a solution that still allows the rollout without sacrificing the safety of flights.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.