Government’s Requests to Delay 5G Accepted

Top US phone companies have agreed to the recent FAA’s request to delay the rollout of 5G technology.

The US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requested that the companies postpone the release of 5G technology (C-Band spectrum 5G wireless signals) due to safety-related worries. 

The reason for the request was the plane makers’ concern that the 5G technology could interfere with the aircraft electronics and affect their ability to operate safely. The fears were primarily related to 5G interfering with radio altitude meters. 

According to the FAA, the potential disruptions could result in diversions, delays, and, inevitably, cancellations. 

The two most prominent US phone companies initially stated they’d implemented the necessary safeguards and wouldn’t delay the rollout, as there was no reason for that.

Verizon and AT&T released a joint statement where they stated that delaying the release would be “an irresponsible abdication of the operating control required to deploy world-class and globally competitive communications networks.” 

However, they soon changed their minds and announced they accepted the request to postpone the rollout for two weeks on Monday. And AT&T’s spokesperson declared they’re confident 5G and the aviation industry can peacefully co-exist.

They further added that they’ll be careful not to release 5G in the airports’ vicinity for the next six months. 

In response, the FAA stated they’re grateful that the phone companies reconsidered their initial decision and revealed they look forward to using the additional time to work on safety and reducing 5G-related disruptions.