5G in C-Band a Concern for Indian Aviation Regulatory Body

What's worth noting here is that in India, the C-band 5G would be rolled out in the 3.3 GHz to 3.67 GHz frequency range. However, in the US, the operators have used the 3.7 GHz to 3.98 GHz frequencies, which are closer to the radio altimeter frequencies inside the aircraft.

Highlights

  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has some concerns with the rollout of 5G in India.
  • Altimeters are essential equipment which operates in the C-band as well and allows the pilots to understand the direct-height-above terrain of the aircraft.
  • The 5G rollout is somewhat expected during early October 2022.

Follow Us

5G

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has some concerns with the rollout of 5G in India. The C-band 5G, which was a major topic of discussion in the United States (US) a few months back, could now be coming to India. For the unaware, the C-band spectrum is the sweet spot for the telcos globally, including India, to roll out 5G services. But it can be a concern for the aviation bodies as well. The issue is the altimeter that aircraft are equipped with. Altimeters are essential equipment which operates in the C-band as well and allows the pilots to understand the direct-height-above terrain of the aircraft. So if the altimeters get interfered with because of the C-band 5G of the telcos, it could result in accidents as well.




According to a report from The Indian Express, the DGCA is concerned about C-band 5G interfering with the altimeters inside the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had voiced concerns about the rollout of C-band 5G in the US earlier this year. The radio instruments inside the aircraft pick up even the faintest signals reflected off the ground. Thus, this equipment could also pick up 'out-of-band' signals, which could impair the altimeters' functioning.

India's C-band 5G is Different from US C-band 5G

What's worth noting here is that in India, the C-band 5G would be rolled out in the 3.3 GHz to 3.67 GHz frequency range. However, in the US, the operators have used the 3.7 GHz to 3.98 GHz frequencies, which are closer to the radio altimeter frequencies inside the aircraft. Thus, it is possible that in India, the C-band 5G frequencies might not affect the altimeter readings at all because of a safe distance between the operating frequencies.

The 5G rollout is somewhat expected during early October 2022. Both Jio and Airtel could announce 5G network services on the same day for customers in metro cities. DGCA's concerns could potentially push the launch of 5G networks in India to a further date. Hopefully, the issues around the matter will be solved fast, and India can start with its 5G journey.

Reported By

Editor in Chief

Tanay is someone with whom you can chill and talk about technology and life. A fitness enthusiast and cricketer, he loves to read and write.

Recent Comments

Faraz :

They don't play Fair game.. Vi is better in offering more data ( though their network not so good in…

Airtel Offering 10GB of Bonus Data on Recharges Above Rs…

Rupesh :

Only 3500? These 5 states combined have 51744 towers. Means less than 5% per state. BSNL will never get level…

BSNL Installs 3,500 4G Towers Across 5 North Indian States:…

Faraz :

"BSNL plans to quickly upgrade 4G services to 5G by June 2024 " Is this a typo or a quote…

BSNL Installs 3,500 4G Towers Across 5 North Indian States:…

Faraz :

Population growth and growth of mobile users are more than that. And I was wondering Vi started gaining 4G customers…

Vodafone Idea Only Added 4 Million 4G Users in Four…

Girish Gowda :

Oh hell no. Airtel 4G is literally unusable aside from a few posh locations in the city. My mother has…

Spectrum Auction 2024: DoT Excludes 700 MHz Frequency Band, Get…

Load More
Subscribe
Notify of
4 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments