Key facts
- The FAA is requiring airlines to retrofit planes by the end of 2030 to address potential wireless interference from 5G signals.
- Up to $2.2 billion in government rebates will be available to major U.S. airlines for these retrofits.
- The funds for the rebates will come from the FCC's C-Band wireless auction proceeds.
- The FAA estimates retrofitting costs at $80,000 to $120,000 per airplane.
- Other aircraft must be retrofitted by 2034, with total estimated costs reaching $7.1 billion.
- Foreign operators are not eligible for the rebates.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that major U.S. airlines will be eligible for up to $2.2 billion in government rebates to retrofit their planes by the end of 2030. This measure addresses potential wireless interference from 5G signals that could affect aircraft altimeters, which are crucial for determining a plane's height above ground and are vital for landings in low visibility conditions.
The FAA requires all altimeters to meet next-generation performance standards to mitigate interference risks. The funding for these rebates will be sourced from the proceeds of the C-Band wireless spectrum auction conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The estimated cost for retrofitting each airplane ranges from $80,000 to $120,000.
While major domestic and international airlines operating in U.S. airspace have a 2030 deadline, other aircraft must be retrofitted by 2034, with the total estimated cost for all civilian airplanes projected to be up to $7.1 billion. Foreign operators will not qualify for these rebates.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that the agency and the FAA are working together to ensure the upgrade of radio altimeters and to provide financial support for eligible domestic aircraft operators. In 2022, concerns over 5G interference led to some flight disruptions and cancellations, though a voluntary agreement with major carriers and wireless providers helped resolve immediate issues.