On Tuesday, AT&T and Verizon announced that they would postpone the activation of 5G network services at certain towers near specific airports. The wireless technology was scheduled to be launched near major airports on Wednesday, but airlines warned of serious consequences for transportation and the economy. AT&T stated that it is working with the aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to gather more information, according to a statement from the company's spokesperson, Megan Ketterer.
Ketterer expressed frustration with the FAA's inability to achieve what nearly 40 other countries have done, namely to implement 5G technology safely without disrupting aviation services, urging them to do so in a timely manner. Verizon, in a separate statement, remarked, "As the leading wireless communications provider in the country, we have voluntarily decided to restrict our 5G network around airports. The FAA and U.S. airlines have not been able to resolve the issue of traveling over 5G networks around airports, despite the technology being safe and fully operational in over 40 other countries."
AT&T, which owns CNN's parent company, and Verizon will continue to roll out advanced 5G services elsewhere as planned. The Biden Administration stated earlier on Wednesday that it is "actively engaged" in finding a solution for the planned 5G rollout on Wednesday, which airlines say presents safety issues leading to significant flight delays.
A White House official told CNN that the administration is in discussions with the FAA, the Federal Communications Commission, wireless carriers, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers to find a resolution that allows for the launch without compromising flight safety. In a letter sent on Tuesday, executives from ten airlines requested that the Biden administration delay the already postponed rollout. Airlines estimate around 1,000 flight disruptions daily due to potential interference with radar altimeters used by pilots for landing in low-visibility conditions.
The telecommunications industry did not comment on the letter but stated that the concerns are baseless since there have been no issues in other countries where 5G is already deployed. A source familiar with the discussions told CNN that talks are currently focusing on establishing a buffer zone at major airports, allowing for the deployment of about 90% of 5G towers. If agreed upon, officials expect that cancellations can be avoided and impacts on travelers will be reduced, although not eliminated.
David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines, noted that the 5G network poses a serious issue for airline operations, according to a memo shared with CNN on Tuesday. He added that the aviation industry and 5G should be able to "coexist," but "this can only come with a better understanding of the potential impacts." He echoed the message sent to federal officials: "Until a long-term technical solution is developed and implemented, and as long as 5G is being deployed, we expect to face delays, diversions, and cancellations beyond our control."
