Biden celebrates 5G wireless technology deal to avoid aviation security crisis

US President Joe Biden has entered into an agreement between mobile phone companies and US regulators that will allow the deployment of new 5G wireless technology in two weeks and prevent an aviation security crisis.

AT&T and Verizon Communications agreed late Monday to delay the rollout of C-Band wireless spectrum until January 19, but got key assurances that they will be able to begin service this month, according to a letter from the Department of Transportation seen by Reuters.

The postponement came after pressure from the White House, aviation unions and the threat of airlines to file a lawsuit to block the deployment, which could have disrupted thousands of daily flights.

Biden said the “agreement ensures there will be no disruptions to air operations for the next two weeks and puts us on track to substantially reduce disruptions to air operations when AT&T and Verizon launch 5G on January 19.”

The aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) raised concerns about potential 5G interference with sensitive electronic components on airplanes, such as radio altimeters, that could affect flights.

Verizon Chief Executive Hans Vestberg told his employees in an email Tuesday that he doesn’t see any safety issues with 5G, but said the FAA “intended to disrupt an already difficult time for air travel if we went ahead with our planned activation ”.

“We thought the right thing to do for the flying public, which includes our customers and all of us, was to give the FAA a little time to resolve their issues with the aviation community,” he added.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Chief Administrator Steve Dickson told AT&T and Verizon in a letter Monday, seen by Reuters, that the agencies will not seek further delays in 5G rollout beyond the 19. January, in the absence of any “unforeseen aviation security issues.”