US FAA warns of potential interference from new 5G technology
An airplane takes off from the Ronald Reagan National Airport as air traffic is affected by the spread of COVID-19 in Washington, US, Mar 18, 2020. (File photo: Reuters/Carlos Barria)
WASHINGTON: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Tuesday (Nov 2) it had issued a special information bulletin alerting manufacturers, operators and pilots that action may be needed to address potential interference with sensitive aircraft electronics caused by new 5G telecommunications technology.
The FAA has been in discussion with the Federal Communications Commissions about its air safety concerns over the plan to begin using some new spectrum for 5G wireless networks starting Dec 5.
The FAA said on Tuesday operators "should be prepared for the possibility that interference from 5G transmitters and other technology could cause certain safety equipment to malfunction".
It also recommends pilots remind passengers that all portable electronic devices equipped with 5G be should be turned off or switched to airplane mode during flight.
