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AT&T and Verizon are both slated to launch new 5G service in America on Wednesday.
This has the chief executives of major U.S. airlines warning a catastrophic aviation disaster involving thousands of flight cancellations is imminent.
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Problems brought by the new 5G systems for cellphones provided by AT&T and Verizon in the United States have come to a head.
A stern warning from the Chief Executives of most U.S. airlines was sent to the U.S. government today, requesting the shutdown of all new 5G systems within 2 miles of major hubs such as Dallas, New York, Chicago and Seattle, if possible.
That, or contend with a massive aviation crisis that will send thousands of essential flights being cancelled.
Today's major development came as the Federal Aviation Administration warned that potential interference could affect sensitive airplane instruments such as altimeters, and could potentially hamper low-visibility operations.
Some Boeing airplanes, especially those beset by teething problems just days after their maiden flights, have been ordered to adopt extra procedures during takeoff and landing near 5G mobile spectrums, as word has it that interference from the wireless networks entails more room for the planes to land and stop. This, as the FAA warned that interference from mobile spectrums could delay systems like thrust reversers on Boeing 787 aircraft from kicking in, leaving only the brakes to stop the plane.
While it can't really be deduced that wireless networks will interfere with altimeters, which produces data showing an aircraft's height above the ground, the FAA said airlines should err on the side of caution, or the vast majority of the travelling and shipping public will grind to a halt, with overwhelming cancellations, diversions and delays.
GARY KELLY, Southwest Airlines CEO: The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive that would significantly impact our operations.
Be that as it may, the cellphone industry is adamant the technology has proven to be safe in Europe, and that the rollout has been delayed twice. It added it will shut down systems near some major airports if need be.
However, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation says while the industry is waiting in the wings to deploy new technology, a balance between the positive impact the new service has on the U.S. economy and the safety of hundreds of thousands of travellers is needed.
PETE BUTTIGIEG, Secretary of Transportation: Look, the wireless carriers are impatient to deploy technology that stands to make a big impact, a positive impact on our economy. But on the aviation side, we've also got to make sure that it's safe.
Suffice it to say, both the airline and mobile phone industries are grasping at straws to avert an aviation disaster that may be forthcoming.
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