The deployment of 5G networks in the United States has caused multiple airlines to stop flying in the country. But in Europe, where adoption is the same, there are no such cases.
The 5G network is causing a debate in the United States. Although it promises to improve communications, the airline conglomerate is asking that they not be deployed at airports because they interfere with aircraft tools, causing problems on flights.
However, while chaos proliferates in North America, in Europe all is quiet. And the answer to this difference lies in the frequencies.
First, why is 5G affecting flights?
According to institutions such as Airbus and Boeing, the problem with 5G lies in its interference with radio altimeters, a vital tool that measures the height of an aircraft above the ground and is vital for landing.
“On a big day, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subject to cancellations, diversions and delays,” fear the presidents of these companies, including American Airlines, Delta, or Southwest.
Why doesn’t this happen in Europe?
The problem lies in the exact frequencies of the 5G networks. While in the United States frequencies between 3.7 and 3.98 GHz (gigahertz) are used, the one in Europe is being implemented between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz.
Although the difference is short, the C band used in the United States frequencies is the “culprit”, since it exploits the frequency up to the frequency ranges above 4 GHz since they are used in places where the signal can be affected by bad weather And here, planes like Boeing 777, Xataka points out, can use frequencies between 4.2 and 4.4 GHz in their radio altimeters, causing interference.
Telecommunications giants AT&T and Verizon have reported that they will temporarily delay the rollout of 5G services on towers near some US airports. Yes, with anger.
“We are frustrated by the FAA’s inability to do what nearly 40 countries have done, which is to safely implement 5G technology without disrupting aviation services, and we urge it to do so in a timely manner,” a spokesperson said. from AT&T to The Guardian.
For now, investigations continue while deployment is being paused at US airports.
