Why 5G disrupted US aviation chaos (and studied Europe)

5G networks have become a major problem for US aviation and have caused havoc at many airports, with flights canceled or changed. But, after all, what is at stake? Between accusations and controversies, it was necessary to look at the example of Europe.

US carriers AT&T and Verizon launched 5G service in the US this week, causing a lot of disruption in the aviation sector.

Major airlines have had to cancel or change flight plans due to security concerns With the launch of the fifth generation (5G) wireless technology.

The main fear is related to Possible interference from 5G With altitude readings on some aircraft, namely the Boeing 777.

AT&T and Verizon have announced that they will be suspending the rollout of 5G near airports. But even so, many airlines have canceled flights or made changes to their stops.

One Complications “at 11 o’clock” It could have been resolved earlier, director of research at International Data Consulting (IDC) firm Jason Lee noted in formulations To The National, a Middle Eastern media outlet.

Frequency question…

Jason Lee notes that there have been discussions “for 12 months without resolution”.

“a Boeing has indicated a problem with the altimeters on the 777 ., but he wasn’t able to determine why this is only a problem for US airports and not for airports in other countries where the same mid-band spectrum is deployed,” notes Lee.

You are Aircraft wireless altimeters They give accurate altitude readings when approaching the ground, so they are essential for landing.

These devices work in faixas 4,2 GHz a 4,4 GHzWhile auctioned frequencies work for 5G Entry 3.7 GHz A 3.98 GHz, which is very close.

The higher the frequency, the faster the 5G service, so telecom operators always aim for the higher frequencies.

However, in other countries, such as in EuropeFor example, 5G operates at lower frequencies, Entry 3.4 GHz 3.8 GHz, and thus far from the frequencies used by altimeters.

The European Union’s aviation safety agency revealed last December that so far, “no risk of unsafe interference has been identified in Europe”.

In France, 5G antennas have been placed around major airports Away from the flight paths To reduce the risk of interference, Eric Fournier, director of the National Agency of Frequencies (ANFR), told CNN.

employment South Korea5G works on frequencies 3.42 to 3.7 GHz No incidents have also been reported since its launch in April 2019.

“One of the most perverted topics I’ve ever seen”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already called on interested parties to Share all “technical information” and work together to find a solution.

It is necessary to find a file A meeting point between different interests For airlines, telecom operators and bodies that monitor air safety.

But for some experts, such as Jason Lee, it is clear that “mobile operators [dos EUA] They didn’t do a good jobTo illustrate the whole process, taking into account safety issues.

The director of aviation consulting firm Bauer, Linus Bauer, told The National that he Lack of coordination and cooperation Between government, federal agencies, scientists, and industry has led to the chaos we are seeing.”

“It One of the most perverted subjects, completely irresponsible, which I’ve already seen in my career in aviation,” says, in turn, the president of Dubai Air, Tim Clark, in comments to CNN.

“Someone should have told them Risks and dangers that the use of certain frequencies around airports and urban fields,” Tim Clark further regrets.

Dubai Emirates was one of the companies that canceled flights to cities such as Boston, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and others.

Meanwhile, Boeing revealed in a statement that it is working with airline and telecoms officials to find a A data-driven solution which can be used “in the long term” and which ensures that “all models of commercial aircraft can operate safely when 5G is rolled out in the US”.