New 5G networks set to activate near major airports this Saturday have sparked concerns over potential interference with aircraft systems as airlines reporting slow upgrades of their fleets.
A conceivable upset looms on the horizon starting Saturday due to the anticipated activation of new 5G networks by wireless providers around key airports across the US.For years, aviation experts have allayed fears over potential interference between 5G networks and aircraft systems, mainly instruments that leverage radio waves for assessing altitude, which is instrumental during landings in poor visibility conditions.In a move that averted predicted widespread flight disruptions last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) joined forces with airlines, successfully persuading telecom companies to delay the launch of their new services. In a crucial intervention, President Joe Biden mediated a compromise with telecom industry leaders, orchestrating a deferment of the 5G signal deployment around the country’s 50 busiest airports until July 1 this year. This move provided airlines an additional year to undertake crucial fleet upgrades. Consequently, the coordinated strategy ensured an uninterrupted, smooth transition, averting a potential upheaval in air travel.
