US telecom giants AT&T and Verizon are set to launch 5G services on January 5. Earlier, Boeing and Airbus, two of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, had written to the US administration to delay the process, citing security risks.
However, concerns have been raised about 5G before. Even then, it was said, the wireless technology could interfere with the operation of aircraft equipment.
Concerned about the safety of 5G technology, the biggest force in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, officials at both companies felt that the new technology could have a huge negative impact on the aircraft industry.
The joint letter from Boeing official Dave Calhoun and Jeffrey Knittel of Airbus Americas to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Butigig cited a study by trade group Airlines for America.
According to the study, if the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) 5G technology regulations were effective in 2019, about 345,000 passenger flights and 5,400 cargo flights would face delays, deviations or cancellations.
Earlier, the aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration also expressed concern over the safety of 5G.
Last week, Scott Kirby, chief executive of United Airlines, said the Federal Aviation Administration’s guidelines on 5-G technology would block the use of radio altitude meters at America’s 40 largest airports.
However, the US industry group CTIA said that 5G technology is safe. The aviation industry has been accused of intimidation and distortion of information.