The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued new directives to aircraft operators, seeking to avoid potential flight safety issues resulting from interference with 5G radios operating in the C-Band.

It issued one directive for large cargo and passenger aeroplanes, and another for helicopters, both of which involve banning some operations requiring radio altimeter information in areas where C-Band broadband signals are present.

The FAA stated it continues to work closely with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and mobile network operators to ensure safe co-existence for aviation and 5G.

C-Band spectrum is a cornerstone of the 5G deployment strategies of Verizon and AT&T, which are relying on it to bridge a coverage gap with T-Mobile US.

Verizon and AT&T both agreed to reduce power levels at 5G radio sites nationwide for a six-month period and have delayed activation of C-Band radios until 5 January, 2022.

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