Why Has the 5G Rollout Around US Airports Become a Controversial Issue?

The transition to 5G technology around US airports has become a contentious topic, leading to significant concerns and debates. This issue is primarily centered around the potential interference with aviation equipment and the regulatory approach taken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

US Unique Challenges

One major point of contention is the fact that the issue has been more problematic in the US than in other countries. This is puzzling given that there is a clear conflict between the 5G deployment and the operations of various unlicensed ground hardware used in aviation.

It turns out that a few airline companies in the US are the primary source of these complaints, but their concerns are particularly noteworthy given the context. These airlines use unlicensed ground distance devices that operate in frequencies adjacent to the licensed 5G frequencies. Under US regulations, unlicensed gear is required to accept any possible interference from licensed services. Thus, it is surprising that these airlines are now raising concerns after years of operation with no prior complaints.

Timeline and Testing Negligence

The FAA and FCC in the US have implemented stricter and less accommodating policies on public safety compared to other countries. This has led to unique challenges, especially with the 5G deployment. One major reason for the issues is the fact that airline companies did not conduct in-depth testing with 5G equipment manufacturers before the 5G rollout. The lack of proactive measures to ensure compatibility raises questions about the airline industry's diligence.

For instance, it is incomprehensible that an airline company would use unlicensed hardware without testing it in multiple operational scenarios, especially when they knew about the potential for interference with licensed services like 5G. Under US rules, they have no priority and no right to complain if the interference occurs. It is perplexing that these companies waited years before addressing the issue.

Regulatory Approaches in Other Countries

Compared to the US, regulatory approaches in other countries have been more accommodating. In these jurisdictions, 5G bans are spaced well away from the frequencies used by some aircraft altimeters. This proactive approach ensures a safer and more reliable aviation system. In the US, however, the cellular providers initially insisted on trust, promising no interference, but now find themselves in a position where they are seeking to deploy 5G in frequencies near those used by aircraft altimeters.

The current situation in the US is particularly problematic because aircraft altimeters are crucial for safe landings. While the cellular providers are now seeking to use these frequencies near airports, it is a significant risk for public safety. This discrepancy highlights the need for more stringent oversight and testing before the deployment of new technologies in sensitive areas like airports.

Conclusion

The rollout of 5G around US airports has become a controversial issue, primarily due to the unique challenges and regulatory approaches in the US. While the issue has been less problematic in other countries, the US lacks the proper testing and proactive measures to ensure safety and compatibility. This controversy highlights the need for a better balance between technological advancement and public safety, especially in critical sectors like aviation.

It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the FAA, FCC, airlines, and cellular providers, to collaborate more closely to ensure that the transition to 5G is smooth and safe for all parties involved. By doing so, we can achieve the full benefits of 5G while minimizing potential risks and inconveniences to consumers and aviation operations.