AT&T and Verizon each announced Tuesday they will postpone upgraded wireless service near some airports after the nation’s largest airlines warned that the service would interfere with aircraft technology and cause massive flight disruptions for both cargo and passenger planes.
The companies will delay turning on new cell towers around runways at some airports and work with federal regulators to settle a dispute over potential interference from new 5G service. The service was scheduled to start Wednesday.
The White House issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, with President Biden thanking "Verizon and AT&T for agreeing to delay 5G deployment around key airports and to continue working with the Department of Transportation on safe 5G deployment at this limited set of locations.
"This agreement will avoid potentially devastating disruptions to passenger travel, cargo operations, and our economic recovery, while allowing more than 90% of wireless tower deployment to occur as scheduled. This agreement protects flight safety and allows aviation operations to continue without significant disruption and will bring more high-speed internet options to millions of Americans.
"Expanding 5G and promoting competition in internet service are critical priorities of mine, and tomorrow will be a massive step in the right direction. My team has been engaging non-stop with the wireless carriers, airlines, and aviation equipment manufacturers to chart a path forward for 5G deployment and aviation to safely co-exist – and, at my direction, they will continue to do so until we close the remaining gap and reach a permanent, workable solution around these key airports."
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