5G cell service to go forward as U.S., 2 carriers reach deal

Federal aviation officials have agreed not to ask for further delays to Verizon and AT&T’S new 5G cellular service, clearing the way for the companies to start their service while avoiding a major clash with regulators who said it could endanger flights.

In addition to delaying the start of their service by two weeks, the carriers will temporarily put in place measures designed to address the government’s safety concerns about the technology, particularly around certain airports.

The agency had expressed concerns that the new 5G service uses signals that clash with equipment pilots use to land in poor weather. Officials have said they could restrict the use of that equipment, known as radio altimeters, which could force airlines to ground or reroute flights under some conditions.

The new 5G service uses a portion of the airwaves, called C-band, to operate; planes use an adjacent set of radio waves for their radio altimeters. The aviation industry has said the two signals could clash, with potentially dangerous results.

In a letter to the wireless companies Monday night, federal officials said that absent “unforeseen” safety issues with the technology, they “will not seek or demand any further delays” in turning on the new technology.

“We are confident that your voluntary steps will support the safe coexistence of 5G C-band deployment and aviation activities, helping to retain America’s economic strength and leadership role around the world,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Stephen Dickson, in a letter to the CEOS of the two companies.

The deal forestalls a collision this week between AT&T and Verizon, which had planned to debut the service Wednesday, and regulators who said they could restrict flights if their concerns weren’t met.