CTIA, Aviation Groups Work Together on 5G in C Band

CTIA, the Aerospace Industries Association and Airlines for America are sharing data and working together to find a way to allow use of the C band for 5G, they said Wednesday. “We are pleased that after productive discussions we will be working together to share the available data from all parties to identify the specific areas of concern for aviation,” the groups said: “The best technical experts from across both industries will be working collectively to identify a path forward, in coordination with the FAA and FCC.” Verizon and AT&T have been deploying gear but agreed not to turn it on until Jan. 5, a month later than originally planned (see 2111040042). Aviation interests noted concerns, in calls with commissioner aides (see 2112210063). “The wireless industry remains on track to launch 5G in the C-band on Jan. 5,” CTIA said. CTIA also reported on a call with staff from the Office of Engineering and Technology, Wireless and International bureaus. “C-Band 5G operations commencing in January will co-exist safely with aircraft and altimeters,” said a filing in docket 18-122. “The aviation industry’s public, unredacted data … does not support its sweeping pronouncements about coexistence concerns.” The FCC and FAA didn’t comment.