Airplanes have become the preferred mode of transport for long distances, and not without reason. By offering ease of transportation and convenience in one, it’s surprising to see when speculations arise. While most rumors tend to be false for the airplane aviation business, one particular concern has been taken public by the storm. Will 5G pose a concern for helicopters, private jets, airplanes, or any other air-related mode of transportation?
The 5G aviation issues shed light on two of the most pondered upon components by the public, firstly concerning public safety and secondly, regarding national security. The major concerns are not related to 5G itself but rather the shared airwaves, commonly referred to as the spectrum of frequencies. The 5G network is expected to revolutionize the telecommunication sector and provide groundbreaking solutions. However, the concerns regarding 5G and aircraft are still a looming threat.
Do 5G Smartphones Threaten Safety of Airplanes?
Forget shared frequency, we’ve all been guided multiple times in the past to not use our cellphones during a flight as it might risk the aircraft itself. The question here is, does the 5G network pose any more of a threat, or is it all rumors?
Since there isn’t any concrete information to go on as of yet, we take the guidance of existing aviation authorities on the concerning matter. The French Civil Aviation Authority DGAC has simply warned that 5G smartphones can potentially interfere with the aircraft’s altitude instrument, and its use should be avoided. The concern stems from maintaining certain safety mechanisms during flights. This is why it is advised to power off 5G mobile phones completely or at least put them on airplane mode until the flight lands safely.
So, how do 5G Smartphones Cause a Concern for Airplanes?
A 5G network uses various spectrum bands, however, this use of the frequencies is much more complex. The network will not only use all frequencies in the existing cellular spectrum but will also brand out in the sub-6 GHz frequencies spectrum. The branching out to the additional network isn’t a choice the 5G network can make. Instead, it is a necessity to overcome 4G network limitations. The higher frequency ranges required by 5G Connectivity go up to 300GHz.
The main debate resides with airplanes and 5G handsets operating at the same frequencies, which could cause interference of some sort. The uncertainty regarding this topic is why many rumors are floating about 5G smartphones causing concern for airplanes.
Uncertainty has always been the Cause of Fear
Before 5G became a part of the equation, all passengers and staff crews were already advised to turn off their mobile devices to ensure safety mechanisms were met. Given the basics, the instructions regarding using 5G devices on airplanes remain the same. Additionally, all areas of concern have been met with at least some form of resolve to make flying safer for all parties involved. There have been guidance documents issued by The French authority DGAC to effectively implement and notify countermeasures to alter airport authorities should such a concerning incident ever occur.
More importantly, to go an additional mile in the safety departments. There are strict guidelines that restrict the positioning of 5G base stations in close proximity to airports to further limit the possibility of an aircraft signal interference.
The Bigger and Better Picture of 5G and Airplanes
5G connectivity, in general, opens many doors of possibilities for airports and airplanes alike. Enhanced connectivity can work to the benefit of many in-flight operations, by providing high-speed data alongside communication transmissions. It also enabled collecting and analyzing data efficiently, offering effective data maintenance, and better scheduling capabilities.
The arrangement itself can help the pilot’s ability to communicate to the towers with air traffic control and could lead to better optimization of the flights. 5G networks provide a great opportunity for airports to evolve and translate their resources to create a better travel experience.
Travel safety can also be increased with 5G networks as they offer the capability to effectively run high-quality security systems. Airports can benefit from running high-definition video surveillance in real-time with 5G networks and use AI-powered security monitoring to ensure maximum security. All that matched with 5G reliant biometric devices for airport entry can automate and safeguard many redundant processes.
This means, overall, your flights would become a lot safer, and as for the 5G airplane concern – practice safety by putting your 5G mobile phone on airplane mode to promote the safety of yourself, and others around you.