The C-band was one of those events that kept on giving throughout 2021. Those who participated in the C-band auction – namely Verizon and AT&T – spent record amounts, to the cumulative tune of more than $81 billion, on precious mid-band spectrum for 5G. This, only to be told later in the year that they would threaten airline traffic if they were to actually use the spectrum for commercial purposes.
Regulators, carriers, and the airline industry seem to be figuring out the details surrounding the rollout of C-band 5G and its potential effects on air travel. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s latest statement, “through continued technical collaboration, the FAA, Verizon, and AT&T have agreed on steps that will enable more aircraft to safely use key airports while also enabling more towers to deploy 5G service.”
The wireless operators spent so much money in part so they can catch up with T-Mobile, which acquired its sizable prize of 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum through the merger with Sprint. While AT&T and Verizon were waiting for satellite operators to clear out of C-band spectrum, T-Mobile forged ahead with the deployment of its 2.5 GHz spectrum, further solidifying its 5G coverage lead with “Ultra Capacity” 5G.
Carriers “have provided more precise data about the exact location of wireless transmitters and supported more thorough analysis of how 5G C-band signals interact with sensitive aircraft instruments,” according to an FAA statement released on Friday, which you can read in full below. Before AT&T and Verizon launched their upgraded cell tech last week, there were concerns from the FAA and airline industry that radar altimeters, which are vital instruments used to safely land planes in low visibility conditions, would improperly pick up the cell signals and give out inaccurate readings.
Last week, CTIA issued a joint statement with the Aerospace Industries Association and Airlines for America about their “ongoing collaboration to find a data-driven solution” to deploy 5G while ensuring aviation safety. CTIA reiterated the wireless industry’s plan to launch 5G in the C-band on January 5, 2022.
“We are pleased that after productive discussions we will be working together to share the available data from all parties to identify the specific areas of concern for aviation. The best technical experts from across both industries will be working collectively to identify a path forward, in coordination with the FAA and FCC,” the groups stated. “Our belief is that by working collaboratively in good faith on a data-driven solution, we can achieve our shared goal of deploying 5G while preserving aviation safety.”
