US aviation industry pans AT&T, Verizon 5G precautions

The US aviation industry said on Monday new precautionary measures offered by AT&T and Verizon Communications were insufficient to address air safety concerns raised by the planned use of C-Band spectrum for 5G wireless. The Aerospace Industries Association said in a letter to Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel that the telecom plans “are inadequate and far too narrow to ensure the safety and economic vitality of the aviation industry.” The industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with sensitive aircraft electronics like radio altimeters. The FCC, FAA and Verizon did not immediately comment. AT&T declined comment. On Friday, an aviation coalition including major airlines and airplane manufacturers met with the White House and other agencies and presented the National Economic Council with a proposal for additional safeguards. The letter said the aviation proposal “provides additional safeguards in, around, and on the approach to airports and heliports.”<br/>