Verizon and AT&T Delay 5G Rollout Near Airports After Warning from Airlines
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Major airlines warned federal officials on Monday that the deployment of Verizon and AT&T’s new C-band 5G wireless service could result in “catastrophic disruption” to national commerce.
The warning came in a letter from airline CEOs, who said “the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt” if the service was used near airports under current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The airlines said the C-band 5G signal could interfere with altimeters in some aircraft, such as Boeing 787s, 777s and 737s, because they use similar segments of the radio spectrum. Verizon and AT&T announced Tuesday that they would delay their planned Wednesday rollout of 5G service around certain airports. An AT&T spokesperson criticized both the airlines and the FAA on Tuesday, saying, “they have not utilized the two years they’ve had to responsibly plan for this deployment.”
Coverage was widespread on Tuesday, particularly in center-rated outlets focusing on business and technology. Outlets that independently obtained and confirmed the airlines’ letter included CNN Business (Lean Left), Reuters (Center) and Fox Business (Lean Right); several outlets cited Reuters as the first to obtain the letter.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
AT&T, Verizon pause some new 5G after airlines raise alarm
AT&T and Verizon will delay launching new wireless service near some airports after the nation’s largest airlines said the service would interfere with aircraft technology and cause massive flight disruptions.
The decision from the telecommunication companies arrived Tuesday as the Biden administration tried to broker a settlement between the telecom companies and the airlines over a rollout of new 5G service, scheduled for Wednesday.
Airlines want the new service to be banned within two miles of airport runways.
AT&T said it would delay turning on new cell towers around runways...
From the Left
US airlines warn of ‘catastrophic disruption’ on Wednesday due to 5G activation 
CEOs from major US airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have warned that the impending deployment of new 5G spectrum on Wednesday could cause “catastrophic disruption” for flights across the country starting tomorrow. The warning, which was also signed by shipping companies including UPS Airlines and FedEx Express, was issued in a letter from the CEOs seen by Reuters, which said that both commercial and cargo flights could be affected.
The letter was sent to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel,...
From the Right
Airline CEOs warn 5G rollout could be ‘catastrophic’ for travel
The chief executives of several major US airlines and shipping firms have warned that a planned rollout of 5G service could have “catastrophic” consequences for travelers and commerce.
The CEOs demanded “immediate intervention” from the government before planes are grounded by the 5G service set to be deployed by AT&T and Verizon on Wednesday.
“Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded,” read the letter signed by the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines,...
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