What is 5G controversy? Why are airlines scared of 5G?Airlines across the US and the federal
administration are locked in a major row over the deployment of 5G mobile
communications technology. Airlines warn of chaos if 5G mobile service is deployed.
In a letter to federal officials,
the industry claimed that thousands of planes could be grounded because the new
internet technology interferes with sensors.
Hours ahead of Verizon and AT&T’s plans to roll out the, major airlines in their letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other federal officials warned of interference
from the technology that could force “the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt.”
Using unusually sharp terms, the
airline industry argued that the 5G rollout could add to disruptions in the
global shipping network that have fueled inflation, reports The New York Times.
The airlines fear that the strong 5G signals can interfere with aircraft
sensors rendering multiple safety feature unusable.
Among the protesting airlines were
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines and seven other passenger
and cargo carriers. The protests threw into question an earlier deal between
the Federal Aviation Administration and the telecommunications companies. The
FAA says it would not object to 5G rollout after the companies promised to
address safety concerns by reducing the power at 5G transmitters near airports.