5G services have been launched in the US with no huge impact recorded on flights.
Gatekeepers News reports that Telecom giants AT&T and Verizon have begun 5G service in the United States on Wednesday, and no major disruptions to flights has been recorded after the launch of the new wireless technology.
Last year, the firms spent tens of billions of dollars to obtain 5G licenses. However, aviation industry groups have raised concerns about a possible interference with airplanes’ radio altimeters, which can operate at the same frequencies and are vital for landing at night or in bad weather.
Following the outcry from US airlines, both AT&T and Verizon agreed to scale back the launch of 5G near airports.
Despite the scaling back, several international carriers cut flights to the United States from their schedules on Wednesday, but there were no mass cancelations, and some companies planned to resume service the following day.
According to a tracking website – FlightAware, 473 flights through US airports were cancelled as of early local time on Thursday, which is down from last week when there were no major disruptions.
Although three Airlines including Air India, ANA, and Japan Airlines cut their Wednesday flights, all three said they would restore routes the following day.
Air India’s spokesman said, “Our Delhi to JFK flight left this morning at 7 AM (0130 GMT),” adding that it would also be operating flights to San Francisco and Chicago.
Similarly, ANA and Japan Airlines said they were restoring service on Thursday after assurances from regulators at Washington’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
ANA President Yuji Hirako said in a statement “As the launch of the 5G service in the US has now been partially postponed, operation of ANA flights from January 20 will follow the normal schedule.”
On Wednesday, the FAA said it has now approved 62 percent of the US commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports with 5G — up from the 45 percent on Sunday.
FAA stated, “Even with these approvals, flights at some airports may still be affected.
“The FAA also continues to work with manufacturers to understand how radar altimeter data is used in other flight control systems. Passengers should check with their airlines for latest flight schedules.”
AT&T confirmed that its high-speed service was available in “limited parts” of eight major metropolitan areas across the United States, while Verizon said it now provides 5G coverage to 90 million Americans as of Wednesday.
Gatekeepers News earlier reported that Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reassured the public of the safety of 5G operation in the country.
