AT&T and Verizon Reject US Department of Transportation's Request to Delay 5G Service... Airlines Oppose

Aviation Industry "Frequency Signal Interference Affects Operations"
Telecom Industry "Already Allowed in Over 10 Countries Including France"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] US mobile carriers AT&T and Verizon have announced that they will reject the request from the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to delay the commercial launch of mid-band 5G services near airports. Amid unified opposition from US airlines, a legal battle between mobile carriers and airlines over 5G services is expected to continue.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 2nd (local time), AT&T and Verizon stated in a press release that they cannot accept the request to delay 5G services near airports made by the US Department of Transportation and the FAA. However, they proposed to operate 5G service equipment in airport-adjacent areas on a limited basis. Both companies had previously announced plans to launch the service starting on the 5th.

Earlier, the US Department of Transportation and the FAA requested a two-week delay in the launch schedule, citing concerns that using the C-band mid-band 5G service near airports could cause frequency interference with aviation communications. The C-band refers to the 3.7 GHz to 4.2 GHz range of 5G frequencies. The US aviation industry has warned that signal interference from this frequency could affect aircraft operations, potentially causing many airlines to alter flight routes or cancel flights.

However, the US telecommunications industry has refuted the aviation industry's claims as unfounded. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) emphasized that there is no reason to worry about aircraft safety due to signal interference from the C-band frequency, noting that more than ten countries, including France, allow the service near airports.

AT&T and Verizon had planned to start the service on the 5th of last month but postponed it by a month due to opposition from the aviation industry, and they now say they cannot delay it any further. The two companies have reportedly requested the US government and related agencies to conduct more precise research on the impact of the C-band frequency on aviation communications.

If the two companies proceed with the 5G service, a legal battle with the aviation industry is expected to follow. WSJ reported, "US airports expected to be affected by the C-band service include John F. Kennedy and Newark, LaGuardia, Chicago O'Hare, Boston Logan, Dallas Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and San Francisco International Airports," adding, "Airlines have stated that if the delay request is not accepted, they will file lawsuits."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.