The topic of 5G data, and its impact on airline operations, has recently become a key talking point in the world of commercial aviation. This is despite it being operational for several years, with 2019 marking a key year for wider usage on a worldwide scale. So why is it only now that its use is proving problematic for the airline industry? Let's take a look.

5G in a nutshell

5G data represents the next step in terms of internet usage on mobile phone networks. It will likely eventually take over from the existing 4G setup offered by most providers, with widespread use foreseen by the middle of the decade. Indeed, GSMA data shared by Forest Interactive suggests that there will be 1.72 billion global 5G connections by 2025.

This is slightly down compared to the 1.79 billion predicted before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic struck. Nonetheless, this still represents a significant increase compared to 2020's 0.13 billion connections. Forest Interactive's article also showed that the worldwide adoption rate in 2025 will be as high as 19.5%, even after the challenges of COVID-19.

With higher bandwidth promised by 5G networks, users will have faster access to the internet and more consistent connections, even at busy events such as sporting fixtures. However, its rollout is now beginning to threaten to impact airline operations.

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Verizon is most impacted by the decision not to run on 5G antennas located close to airports. Photo: Verizon

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US rollout delayed multiple times

So, with 5G networks nearing three years of usage worldwide, why is it only now that they are causing problems for aviation? The difficulties appear to lie particularly in the US, where a widespread rollout of such data on several major networks was set to take place this month. As Simple Flying reported in 2021, January 2022 already represented a delayed start.

The delays came about due to networks needing to liaise with the FAA. The government agency had concerns about the C-band frequencies used for 5G by such providers. This is not universal, with T-Mobile being an example of a network whose 5G doesn't use C-band.

The networks had initially agreed on a January 5th launch date for 5G services. However, this was delayed by two weeks earlier this month, following a further FAA request.

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Japanese carriers are among those to have trimmed US schedules as a result. Photo: Getty Images

This came about due to lingering concerns about the impact of C-band 5G on technology such as autoland, a feature that will now be unavailable at around 100 US airports amid the concerns. As such, the FAA has begun clearing US-based commercial aircraft to make low-visibility landings. A notable exception in this instance is the Boeing 787 'Dreamliner.'

Significant impacts on flight schedules

Amid mounting pressure and the potential of widespread flight cancelations, Verizon and AT&T have once again delayed their 5G rollouts in areas near airports. Nonetheless, flight schedules have still been hit hard, with most of Air India's US-bound flights shelved today.

ANA, Emirates, and JAL have made similar cuts over the potential interference with radio altimeters. To minimize disruption, the FAA has designated 50 'buffer zone' airports.

What do you make of the situation regarding 5G? Have you had to alter your travel plans as a result? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.