La 5G technology is under fire from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The authority responsible for managing air transport in the country has just announced the introduction of a new safety rule. It prohibits pilots from using automatic landing and other flight assistance systems at low altitude. It believes that5G signals could interfere with instruments calculating the aircraft's distance from the ground.
Interference with certain landing systems?
For the FAA, the 5G would interfere with radio altimeters used on low-visibility flights. The radio altimeters allow safe landings in this configuration.
But the FAA believes that the 5G could lead to erroneous data readings, making flying dangerous. In particular, the new technology would affect certain radio frequencies. The waves used by 5G cover part of the radio frequency spectrum known as the C-band.. This band is adjacent to the waves used by radio altimeters to measure an aircraft's altitude.
According to the FAA, the rule affects more than 6,800 American aircraft, more than 1,800 helicopters and dozens of aircraft manufacturers..
The FAA is of an urgent nature. " There is a dangerous condition that requires the immediate adoption of this [order] without giving the public an opportunity to comment prior to adoption" said the agency. " The FAA considered that the risk to the flying public justified waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. "
The FAA also plans to publish a list of airports most likely to be affected by 5G technology. Some airports could therefore ban the use of 5G in their territory and the immediate vicinity.
Operators challenge 5G technology
The Civil Aviation Authority says it has been working for many months with telecoms operators involved in 5G technology. The FAA says it is working closely with the Federal Communications Commission and wireless carriers. It believes it has made progress towards the safe implementation of 5G expansion. According to the FAA, " we are convinced that with continued collaboration, we will achieve this common goal of safe coexistence" .
Concern about the FAA has already resulted in a delay in bringing 5G into service in the United States. Originally scheduled for 5 December, 5G will come into effect on 5 January next year after the industry agreed to a postponement.
The association representing the wireless industry, CTIA, is opposed to the FAA's decision. " Any delay in enabling this technology risks America's competitiveness. It compromises our ability to ensure global leadership in 5G.says the association.
According to the CTIA, C-band spectrum is already the backbone of 5G networks worldwide. Nearly 40 countries are using this spectrum, many of them for nearly three years.. And with no real danger to aviation, she believes.
