Biden, Rosenworcel Want 5G, Air Safety Fears Resolved

January 18, 2022

President Joe Biden and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel issued statements today that refer to an agreement that permits tomorrow’s 5G wireless communications deployment while ensuring aviation safety. Statements today from Verizon and AT&T refer to the companies having taken voluntary steps to limit the use of C-band frequencies in their 5G networks in areas near airport runways, temporarily.

“I want to thank Verizon and AT&T for agreeing to delay 5G deployment around key airports and to continue working with the Department of Transportation on safe 5G deployment at this limited set of locations,” Biden said. “This agreement will avoid potentially devastating disruptions to passenger travel, cargo operations, and our economic recovery, while allowing more than 90 percent of wireless tower deployment to occur as scheduled. This agreement protects flight safety and allows aviation operations to continue without significant disruption and will bring more high-speed internet options to millions of Americans.”

The president said that expanding 5G and promoting competition in internet service are critical priorities of his.

“Tomorrow will be a massive step in the right direction,” Biden said, referring Verizon and AT&T launching their 5G service on C-band frequencies in the United States. “My team has been engaging non-stop with the wireless carriers, airlines and aviation equipment manufacturers to chart a path forward for 5G deployment and aviation to safely co-exist — and, at my direction, they will continue to do so until we close the remaining gap and reach a permanent, workable solution around these key airports.”

Rosenworcel said that next-generation 5G technologies will be the backbone of the United States’ economic future.

“Today’s agreement makes it possible to bring this technology to millions more consumers and businesses throughout the country starting tomorrow using the C-band,” she said. “This is welcome news, because we know that deployment can safely coexist with aviation technologies in the United States, just as it does in other countries around the world. The FAA has a process in place to assess altimeter performance in the 5G environment and resolve any remaining concerns. It is essential that the FAA now complete this process with both care and speed.”