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FAA to Mandate 5G-Resistant Altimeters Ahead of 2027 Spectrum Sale
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration is finalizing a rule requiring all U.S. aircraft to upgrade to altimeters that can withstand 5G interference, a move preceding a major wireless spectrum auction planned for 2027.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will require all aircraft operating in the country to be equipped with 5G-resistant radio altimeters, according to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday. The final regulation, which follows a proposal from earlier this year, is set to be issued on Friday and aims to mitigate potential interference from wireless signals.
Rule Details and Safeguards
Radio altimeters are critical safety instruments that measure an aircraft's altitude, enabling safe takeoffs and landings, particularly in low-visibility conditions. The new rule is a preemptive measure to ensure aviation safety as next-generation wireless networks expand.
To further protect aircraft, the FAA said the new regulation includes safeguards that will be imposed on the auctioned spectrum. These measures include limiting the power of 5G signals to levels deemed safe for air travel and restricting the height of 5G transmission towers near airports.
Ad2027 Spectrum Auction and Costs
The FAA's mandate comes as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on Wednesday to auction 160 megahertz of spectrum in the upper C-band. This spectrum, scheduled for sale in July 2027, is adjacent to the frequencies used by aircraft altimeters, creating the risk of signal interference.
The cost for the aviation industry to comply is significant. The FAA had previously estimated the total undiscounted cost to retrofit the U.S. fleet with the new equipment would be $4.49 billion. To offset this, a rebate program will be available to airlines that must perform the upgrades. The agency stated that this program will allow commercial aircraft to adopt the new technology several years sooner than would have otherwise been possible.
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