JAMESTEOHART / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
SUWIN / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM altimeter manufacturers have rushed to determine exactly what happens when the existing technology intersects with one of the newly rolled-out 5G antennas . And so , airlines have asked for additional time to figure out how to navigate these challenges .
HOW IS THIS PROBLEM BEING NEGOTIATED ? The rollout of 5G across the U . S . is being led by AT & T and Verizon , who have agreed to delays in implementing service — though not indefinitely . In early January , the telecom companies agreed to create a buffer zone for six months around 50 of the largest airports to help minimize the potential for interference and disruption . The FAA has cleared a significant proportion of the commercial airline fleet in the U . S . to co-exist with 5G technology , meaning they can land in instrument-driven , low-visibility situations at most airports . But many larger airports remain a question mark . The airlines have asked for the continuation of a 2-mile 5G-free zone around these larger airports . In the meantime , the airline industry is rushing to create new standards for altimeters and other affected instruments , a costly retrofit that could lead to increased prices for consumers .
HOW HAS THE 5G ROLLOUT GONE SO FAR ? The FAA has been clearing more and more of the commercial airline fleet to fly even in situations where 5G was flagged to be potentially dangerous — which is good news . It seems like the worst-case scenario has largely been averted . But problems and potential problems persist . The future of the buffer zone around major airports remains unresolved , and a significant proportion of the commercial fleet across the country has yet to be cleared to fly under higher-risk scenarios . Both groups — wireless companies and the airline industry — are still trying to win concessions .
WHAT ’ S THE BOTTOM LINE FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY ? While over 90 % of the U . S . commercial fleet has now been cleared to land even in low-visibility approaches in areas covered by 5G , there are lingering questions about how poor weather ( which increases an aircraft ’ s dependence on instruments ) might further impact safety . In February , an airline advocacy group warned U . S . lawmakers that this issue is going to take years , not months , to resolve . The wireless industry remains insistent that the rollout of 5G will not pose a risk to air traffic safety , but the airline industry insists that the potential for disruption remains , and that disruption could include canceled or delayed flights and even stranded passengers . The successful rollout of 5G in other markets is encouraging , as is the increasing clearance rate for a variety of aircraft . But this remains a watch-and-see situation .
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