Why the US has delayed rolling out the mobile internet technology around airports

Presently, 5G is being tested in many countries across the globe 5G is currently being used in a number of countries around the world. It’s the version of the mobile phone. It may offer network speeds that are up to 100 to 100 times more efficient than the speeds we’ve seen in 4G.

In order to ensure the highest speeds and the most coverage possible, AT&T and Verizon had in mind to create 5G internet using C-band radio frequencies which is a kind of radio waves (or radio waves) in the range of 3.7 3.98 and 3.98 gigahertz (GHz).

These frequencies are similar to the frequencies utilized by modern aircraft for measuring altitude. The most important part of an aircraft’s equipment is radio altimeters. radio altimeter is a C-band radio that operates on frequencies ranging from 4.2-4.4GHz. Pilots depend on radio altimeters to safely land their plane, particularly in situations where visibility is not ideal such as in the case of an airport enclosed by mountains, or when conditions are hazy.

The concern is that, due to the narrow gap between the frequencies of the 5G and the radio altimeters, the radio waves from 5G towers near airports could cause interference. That is, people using 5G on their phones could inadvertently distort or damage the radio altimeter’s signal.

If this occurs for even just a few seconds, it could indicate that the pilot didn’t get the correct information at landing. This is why it’s why the US Federal Aviation Administration raised concerns.

All over the world, countries have begun to implement 5G technology. Maria Savenko/Shutterstock

So, what can we do?

Other countries that are rolling 5G are using C-band frequencies that are in a similar manner to or are similar to radio altimeters, with any reports of problems. For instance, in the UK, 5G is able to go all the way to 4 GHz. The absence of mountains in the vicinity of airports minimizes the chance of interference.

Different countries operate their 5G networks on frequencies somewhat higher than that of aircraft equipment. Within Europe, for instance. European Union, for instance, 5G can go upwards to 3.8GHz. This could be a great alternative to use for US airports.

The most effective option in the long term is to select an even higher frequency for 5G, like between 24GHz and 47GHz. With these frequencies, speeds for data are considerably higher; however, that coverage is smaller (so you will require additional towers).

There is also a way to decrease the strength of signals of airport towers that have been implemented by France as well as Canada. This isn’t about altering the frequency of signals – they are determined in decibels and not GHz, but limiting the power of the signal will reduce the risk of interference from neighbouring bands.

Another option is to change the range of frequency for radio altimeters. However, this could take an extended time and would likely be costly in the aerospace industry.