Even though 5G networks operate safely in the C-band without causing harmful interference to aviation equipment, a flawed report from aviation group RTCA has caused some confusion. This report is completely contradicted by safe, real-world deployment of 5G in the C-band in dozens of countries around the world.
The resources below provide real-world examples and studies affirming 5G coexistence with aviation equipment.
Real-world evidence confirms C-band spectrum can safely be used for 5G:
NTIA Study: Measurements of 5G New Radio Spectral and Spatial Power Emissions for Radar Altimeter Interference Analysis
In a major study, NTIA partnered with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and reps from telecom companies and the aviation industry, to perform tests of all three 5G radio equipment models transmitting at maximum power. They found that 5G transmissions stay safely within their assigned frequencies.
5G in the C-Band: A Safe Environment for Helicopters and MedEvac Transport
The U.S. has the most protective 5G operating environment for helicopters in the world, helicopters already operate in other countries with 5G in the C-band without experiencing harmful interference, and the helicopter industry believes safe operations can continue.
5G and Air Safety: Safe Power, Far from Aviation
The FAA recently shared some incorrect information about how the U.S. deployment compares to deployments in France and other countries. These are the facts.
Global 5G Operations Prove Aviation Safety
The U.S. can safely deploy 5G today in the C-band. Learn more about the clear evidence demonstrating the safe co-existence between aviation and wireless—the nearly 40 countries where wireless operates today.
Fact Sheet: 5G Safely Operates in the C-Band in ~40 Countries
This fact sheet provides details on the nearly 40 countries around the world that have already adopted rules and begun launching 5G in the C-band. Many countries have lower restrictions than proposed in the U.S., and there have been no reports of harmful interference.
5G Wireless in the C-Band: A Good Neighbor to Aviation
This one-pager provides an overview of why 5G is important, why recent misinformation on the issue is incorrect, and examples of 5G safely operating in the C-band around the world.
Wireless Industry Doubles Down on 5G and Aviation Safety
This fact sheet outlines the additional measures the wireless industry has voluntarily agreed to—in addition to the FCC’s existing rules that are already stronger than many places where 5G operates around the world—in order to ensure safe flights and rapid 5G deployment, directly addressing the concerns of the FAA.
US Commitment to Safe Flights and Robust 5G—Strongest in the World
This fact sheet details how the additional protections added by the wireless industry is the greatest set of protective measures in the world to ensure 5G safety.
What Others Are Saying: C-Band Interference Claims Are Not Supported By Facts
A variety of experts from around the world—including aviation and communications authorities, elected officials, telecom industry analysts, and public interest group leaders—support 5G in the C-band.
What Others Are Saying: The Cost Of Delaying 5G Deployment Is Too High
A variety of experts experts agree that the U.S. can move forward safely and must do so without further delay for the sake of the economy and national security.
What Others Are Saying: Left-of-Center Voices on 5G Interference Claims
Leading left-of-center voices have expressed dismay at the FAA’s objections to 5G deployment in C-Band spectrum, arguing that the expert agency on spectrum – the Federal Communications Commission – should be trusted to chart the path forward.
5G vs. Air Safety: The FAA’s False Choice
CTIA CEO and Former FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker’s op-ed outlines the history of extensive research from the FCC and other experts from around the world, which have all determined that 5G can safely coexist with aviation operations in the C-band. The op-ed also details the major economic consequences of delaying 5G deployment.
Fact Sheet: C-Band Timeline
Plans to make C-Band spectrum available for wireless use are more than 17 years old, and countries around the world safely use
this spectrum for 5G networks today. This fact sheet identifies some of the key milestones that the FAA ignored.
French National Frequency Agency 5G Aviation Test Video
This page provides a video and summarizes the findings of a test requested by the French National Frequency Agency, which determined that, “With 5G mobile on board, no interference whatsoever was detected with the helicopter’s altimetry equipment.”
5G Americas White Paper: 5G and Aviation Coexistence
This white paper provides an in-depth analysis of the real-world examples that show 5G in the C-band does not interfere with aviation equipment.
Boston Consulting Group Report: 5G Promises Massive Job and GDP Growth in the U.S.
This report details the major benefits of 5G in the U.S., including 4.5 million new jobs and $1.5 trillion added to the U.S. economy by 2030. For every 6-month delay in building 5G, the U.S. will lose $25 billion of these benefits.