FAA to FCC: Require 5G C-Band Limitations Near Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States is requesting that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order relatively small Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to adhere to the exact limitations that Verizon and AT&T voluntarily accepted earlier this year when it comes to rollout of 5G C-band services. According to Reuters, the request was made in a letter between the two organisations dated October 21 on Friday. Pilots received 5G-related aviation advisories from the FAA in January, noting that C-band operations may interfere with various onboard aviation devices. Altimeters, automated landing, heads-up displays/enhanced flight vision systems, and the usage of helicopter autopilot hover modes were all cautioned against in the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which were issued to pilots.

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Though AT&T and Verizon Have Already Joined, the FAA Is Concerned About Smaller Carriers

The FAA expressed concern about the potential for out-of-band interference with altimeter systems, which are essential for determining how far an aircraft is above the ground at low altitudes and are especially important when visibility is poor. However, these systems were not created to handle a changing RF environment or terrestrial 5G operations. Within a few days, the organisation authorised around 45% of the American commercial fleet to land in low visibility at several airports.

Verizon, AT&T, and federal authorities declared in June that they would reach a settlement. Verizon EVP Craig Silliman characterised the action as a step forward that will allow Verizon to utilise all of their C-band spectrum for 5G around airports on an expedited and planned schedule.