50 airports in total! The U.S. announced the establishment of buffer zones around airports to mitigate the risk of interference in the 5G C-band

According to foreign media reports, US telecom operators AT&T and Verizon have agreed to set up buffer zones around some U.S. airports to reduce the risk of interference that may arise after activating new 5G services in the C band.

The Federal Aviation Pipeline Administration (FAA) has released a list of 50 airports that will set up buffers after telecom operators finally launch C-band 5G services on Jan. 19.

The FAA noted in a statement that AT&T and Verizon have agreed to turn off the transmitter within 6 months and make other adjustments near the airport to minimize 5G signal interference that sensitive aircraft instruments used during low-visibility landings can be exposed.

The agency said it consulted the aviation industry to understand how the proposed buffer zone could help reduce the risk of disruption.

The FAA explained that air traffic, low visibility and geographic location were all factors in the selection.

The FAA also noted that it will continue to work with aviation manufacturers and operators to "ensure the safe deployment of 5G and limit the risk of flight disruption at all airports." ”

Verizon and AT&T recently agreed for the second time to delay the C-band deployment of 5G services over concerns about interference with aircraft radio gauges.

At the time, U.S. carriers promised to set up "extensive no-go zones" around runways at certain airports, and expected this to "reduce C-band signal levels by at least 10 times" during takeoff and final landing.

Despite the latest measures, the matter remains highly controversial. Kevin Burke, president and chief executive of the North American chapter of ACI, said the FAA's list is "largely irrelevant" due to the widespread impact of C-band 5G "inside and outside airports," Reuters reported. (C114 Ace)