Biden praises 5G wireless deal and avoids aviation security crisis

US President Joe Biden has announced an agreement between mobile operators and US regulators that will allow the deployment of a new 5G technology within two weeks, avoiding an aviation security crisis.

AT&T and Verizon agreed the day before to postpone deployment of C-Band wireless spectrum until Jan. 19, but gained significant assurances that they can start service this month, according to a Department of Transportation letter seen by Reuters.

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

Biden said the deal 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 roll out 5G on Jan. 19.”

Verizon Chief Executive Hans Vestberg said on Tuesday that he sees no aviation safety issues with 5G, but that the FAA “intends to interrupt an already difficult time for air travel if we move forward with our activation planned”.

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

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Chief Administrator Steve Dickson told AT&T and Verizon that agencies will no longer look for delays in deploying 5G wireless service after Jan. 19 without any “issues” aviation security unforeseen events. ”

The deal “will give additional time and space to reduce impacts on commercial flights,” they wrote.

The attached final pledge said, unless “unforeseen aviation security issues” arise, US agencies “will not seek or require any additional delays in C-band deployment, in whole or in part, including a delay on returning to routine operations.”