FAA Reportedly Preps Safety Warnings Tied to C-Band Deployment

The FAA is preparing warnings to pilots and airlines about potential interference to aircraft safety systems from 5G in the C band, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Experts say the FAA is concerned about protecting radio altimeters, but C-band deployments are expected to start this year, as planned (see 2109200041). Verizon and AT&T executives confirmed that deployments are imminent, in recent calls with analysts. An FAA spokesperson said the agency is working with other agencies to ensure air safety. The FCC’s record-setting C-band auction offered licenses at 3.7-3.98 GHz; altimeters are at 4.2-4.4 GHz. “Upholding public safety is a top priority for the FCC under the law,” a spokesperson emailed: “We remain committed to ensuring air safety as the agency’s successful track record demonstrates, while moving forward with the deployment of new technologies.” 5G "networks using C-band spectrum operate safely and without causing harmful interference to aviation equipment,” emailed CTIA President Meredith Baker. “The evidence includes numerous active 5G networks using this spectrum band in 40 countries all over the world, as well as years of study and technical analysis by the FCC and international agencies, including material submitted by the aviation industry.” The C band is “critical to delivering 5G service,” Baker said.