Telecom giants AT&T and Verizon began 5G service in the US on Wednesday without major disruptions to flights after the launch of the new wireless technology was scaled back.
The firms spent tens of billions of dollars to obtain 5G licences last year, but aviation industry groups have raised concerns about possible interference with airplanes’ radio altimeters, which can operate at the same frequencies and are vital for landing at night or in bad weather.
Both AT&T and Verizon this week agreed to scale back the launch of 5G near airports following an outcry from US airlines, who had warned the roll-out would cause mass disruptions. Despite the scaling back, a handful of international carriers cut flights to the US from their schedules on Wednesday, but there were no mass cancellations and some companies planned to resume service the following day.
By early morning local time yesterday, 473 flights through US airports had been cancelled, according to tracking website FlightAware, down from last week when there were no major disruptions. Airlines that cut Wednesday flights included Air India, ANA and Japan Airlines, though all three said they would restore routes the following day.
“Our Delhi to JFK flight left this morning at 7am (0130 GMT),” Air India’s spokesperson said, adding it would also be operating flights to San Francisco and Chicago.
ANA and Japan Airlines also said they were restoring service yesterday after assurances from regulators at Washington’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “As the launch of the 5G service in the US has now been partially postponed, operation of ANA flights from January 20 will follow the normal schedule,” ANA president Yuji Hirako said in a statement.
The FAA said on Wednesday that it has now approved 62 per cent of the US commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports with 5G – up from the 45 per cent on Sunday. “Even with these approvals, flights at some airports may still be affected,” the agency said. “The FAA also continues to work with manufacturers to understand how radar altimeter data is used in other flight control systems. Passengers should check with their airlines for latest flight schedules.”
The FAA said on Wednesday it approved 62% of the US commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports with 5G – up from the 45% on Sunday
AT&T said on Wednesday its high-speed service was available in “limited parts” of eight major metropolitan areas across the US, while Verizon said it now provides 5G coverage to 90 million Americans.