Do You Know How 5G Affect Airplanes?

New Delhi: Recently on January 19, Air India had cut its flights to the United States (US) in the wake of the 5G services which was launched in the US from January the alter said date. Many American airlines were already appealing to postpone the launch of 5G, saying that it would affect the airlines.

Now, let us understand how 5G network affects airlines? and why there was a demand to postpone 5G? How much impact will this have on India?

Why 5G Is A Problem For Airlines?

A company named Verizon and AT&T launched 5G in US on January 19, but after protests from aviation companies, the company decided to postponement the launch around the airport for the time being. Following the postponement, several airlines companies like Air India, Japan's Airlines and Dubai's Emirates resumed their flights.

The 5G services hamper the flight operation because the 5G networks are based on radio signals and the same frequency used is used by America for flight operations which alter the aircraft's altimeter radio signals. So, if the frequency of 5G and the frequency of the plane's altimeter are almost in the same range in that there is a possibility that it might alter plane's travel route, i.e. navigation putting the plane at risk of affecting its landing.

The altimeter is used grab details like altitude of the plane as well as detect wind speed/or direction over short distances in the atmosphere, which are considered hazardous to plane.

Eventually, such impacts on altimeter would force the pilot of the plane to rely only on visual data during inclement weather, clouds, or fog, affecting landing and take-off.

With the plane's radio altimeter being affected, the plane's automation system or the pilot's inability to get an accurate estimate, especially when approaching the ground, will be more likely to cause an accident.

What is 5G technology?

5G stands for Fifth-generation wireless (5G) and is the latest iteration of cellular technology, engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks. The speed is such as that it offers latency of 1 millisecond (ms) or lower, which is useful for applications that require real-time feedback.

Countries Having 5G Network Countries

According to a report, 5G now is available in 61 countries. However, players like Airtel recently showcased its 5G technology over a commercial network in Hyderabad. Reliance Jio is another telecom, which is ready to test its 5G technology in India.

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