The FAA says it will ensure radio altimeters can safely coexist with a major expansion of access by wireless providers to radio frequencies right next to those used by the altimeters. The FCC said it will vote on rules for an auction of 160 megahertz of radio spectrum in the Upper C Band favored by 5G wireless providers on July 22. That will set the stage for a 2027 auction of the frequencies coveted for their range and quality, which is ideal for cellular signals.
Wireless providers are expected to pay billions for the narrow strips of radio waves that are in huge demand to keep everything from cellphones to autonomous cars getting the data they need. According to Reuters, the FCC also says some of that money will be used to compensate aircraft operators who have to replace equipment that can’t cope with the RF interference from the cell signals, which are millions of times more powerful than the adjacent altimeter transmitters and receivers. The 5G signals may also interfere with satellite communications, and FCC says it plans to move those users to other areas of the spectrum. It’s not clear if GPS will be among the signals displaced by the 5G expansion.
In a statement that followed the FCC announcement, the FAA said the technology exists for radio transmitters and streaming video to be neighbors on the spectrum. The agency said it worked with the FCC to include safeguards to ensure aviation safety. “These safeguards include limiting the power of the auctioned 5G signals to levels the FAA has determined are safe for aviation; protecting the altimeter band with a buffer band between it and the band of frequencies that will be auctioned; and limiting the height of 5G transmission towers,” the statement said. “Additionally, the FCC’s Order will ensure the functionality of key altimeter-based alerting systems including Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems.” The FAA will also announce its own rule that will require operators to upgrade altimeters so they can cope with the 5G signals.
How many times have we had to go through this now? I’ve lost track.
“It’s not clear if GPS will be among the signals displaced by the 5G expansion.”. Get ready for it boys and girls…
Can GPS satellites be reprogrammed on orbit to operate in a different area of the spectrum? What about the gazillion receivers on the ground? Inquiring minds and all…
If GPS signals are displaced by 5G expansion, wouldn’t that make ADS-B out inop?
Glad I learned before Foreflight, makes reverting back to Forefinger (on a chart) easier.
FAA: “Fool me once, shame on you …”
maybe stop then decommissioning VORTACS and marker beacons. in fact, ADF got me wherever i needed.
Read an article where they want to use 6G to navigate delivery drones and autonomous eVTOLs. While legacy systems are fighting and resisting change the up and coming aircraft are using every resource. They have demonstrated Category III capabilities.
If you can’t beat the future you might as well join it.
As I typically say to those suggesting I upgrade to this/that (acft, house, car, etc) “get out your checkbook and I’ll get right on it”…no one ever sticks around to ask how much to make the check out for.
Got no issue with new tech, have an issue with those with deep pockets and/or FCC expecting me to absorb the cost of reequipping around their tech excursions.