How often does 5G cause interference with altimeters on commercial airliners? Once you ask that “loaded question,” the FUD has been deployed, there’s going to be an investigation, and some people will be scared to the point where 5G won’t be allowed because “you’re never certain.” Welcome to an unfortunate logical fallacy that will cost millions of dollars to address.
The airline industry insists that 5G towers near airports will interfere with the altimeters on commercial aircraft. This does not seem to be an issue in the 40 other countries that have 5G deployed, but the question has been raised and the investigations have begun. According to Reuters, the FAA has cleared 45% of commercial airports with 5G exposure, and they are working through the rest.
Of course, no one can say with certitude that 5G around an airport is 100% safe, but that is the only number anyone (myself included) wants to hear when speaking about airline safety. This begs the question, “Did a cell phone ever bring down a commercial airliner?” For years, after the rest of the world acknowledged it was perfectly fine to use your cellphone on a commercial airplane, the FAA made us turn off our phones. People still ask questions about how safe it is and wonder out loud about what damage radio waves may do to equipment and people. FUD sticks, even when lightly applied.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.