For now, telecoms will switch 5G on as planned after the delay but will avoid service near airports and runways over concerns about interference.
After refusing for weeks, AT&T and Verizon will roll back their plans to deploy 5G to allow further investigation into the safety impacts for aviation travel. The companies remain confident that both 5G and aviation can coexist but acknowledge that the rollout may take some extra time to ensure safety.
Trade groups fear 5G will disrupt flight safety
The Airlines for America group filed an emergency petition with the FCC to block the telecoms’ efforts to roll out 5G service. The groups settled on an initial two-week delay over the concern for possible interference with communications tools. The group represents airlines like American and Delta as well as freight companies like FedEx.
These groups planned to file an injunction for an outright block but will reassess now that the new January 19th rollout date has passed. The move originally prompted a request from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the delay will allow investigations into ways to minimize the impact of any potential interference.
See also: Overcome 5G Challenges to Power the Next Great Smart City
