Live near an airport? You could soon access 5G services
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is working toward enhancing 5G connectivity at 124 airports across India, as per Moneycontrol. This initiative also includes areas surrounding these airports, where the 3,300-3,670 MHz frequency band used for 5G services is currently restricted. The project is currently in testing phase, with DoT collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to ensure 5G services do not disrupt aircraft systems.
Addressing interference concerns with aircraft systems
The 5G band restriction is because of concerns about potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters, which are crucial for determining a plane's altitude and assisting in air traffic management. A government official said, "We are testing with DST (Department of Science and Technology), and we will be able to figure something out within a month."
DoT collaborates with Civil Aviation Ministry for 5G enhancement
The DoT is also partnering with the Civil Aviation Ministry to improve 5G connectivity. Recently, they permitted the use of in-building (IBS) solutions to enhance coverage within and around airports. These IBS systems are specifically made to deliver high-quality mobile and wireless communication indoors, where signal penetration from cell towers may be weak.
Telecom operators express concerns over revenue loss
In November 2022, the DoT directed telecom operators to avoid establishing 5G spots in the 3,300-3,670 MHz band within a 2.1km radius of both runway ends. This decision has been met with criticism from Indian telecom companies that have already launched commercial 5G services. They argue that this restriction is causing revenue loss as they have made significant investments in acquiring the 5G spectrum, and lack of connectivity at airports is limiting their potential for consumer and business revenue generation.
GSMA urges DoT to reconsider 5G restrictions
In June, the Global System for Mobile Communications A (GSMA), a global representative body for telecom service providers, appealed to the DoT to reconsider its 2022 decision. The GSMA urged the department, "To take necessary steps with the stakeholders in the aviation sector for expediting replacement of radio altimeters in a specific timeframe, that is eventually identified as potentially susceptible to emissions outside their band (and, in particular, to emissions in the '5G' band)."
India's 5G scenario differs from the US
The issue of potential interference between 5G signals and aircraft systems first surfaced when the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning in January 2022. However, India's situation is different from that of the US. The operating range for 5G systems in India extends up to 3,980 MHz, providing a spectral separation of 530 MHz between the 5G systems and radio altimeters - nearly double that in the US.
