Get ready for potential travel chaos this July 4 holiday! The rollout of 5G wireless signals on July 1 could lead to older planes being banned from takeoff or landing, causing delays and cancellations. The concern is that the new network may interfere with radio transmissions to arriving and departing airlines. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has warned that only planes with the right equipment will be allowed to fly when visibility is poor.
This warning comes just before AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers are set to boost the power of their 5G signals on July 1. This boost could potentially interfere with the spectrum used by radio altimeters, which measure the height of a plane above ground. While newer altimeters have shields for interference, many airlines have not upgraded all of their planes.
According to Buttigieg, an estimated 80% of domestic airlines and 65% of international aircraft that fly to the U.S. have new radar altimeters. However, several airlines, including JetBlue and Delta, have admitted that not all of their planes have been updated. So, if you’re planning to travel during the July 4 holiday, be prepared for possible disruptions and check with your airline for updates.
