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What is the story
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is working to improve 5G connectivity at 124 airports across India. Money control.
This initiative also covers the areas around these airports, where the 3,300-3,670 MHz frequency band used for 5G services is currently blocked.
The project is currently in the testing phase, with the DoT working with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to ensure that 5G services do not interfere with aircraft systems.
Resolve interference issues with aircraft systems
The reason for restricting the 5G band is concerns about possible interference with aircraft radio altimeters, which are critical for determining an aircraft’s altitude and supporting air traffic control.
A government official said: “We are conducting tests with the DST (Ministry of Science and Technology) and will find a solution within a month.”
DoT collaborates with Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve 5G
The DoT is also working with the Department of Civil Aviation to improve 5G connectivity.
Recently, the use of in-building solutions (IBS) has been approved to improve coverage inside and outside airports.
These IBS systems are specifically designed to provide high quality mobile and wireless communications indoors where signal penetration from cell towers may be weak.
Telecom operators fear revenue losses
In November 2022, the DoT directed telecom operators to avoid setting up 5G spots in the 3,300-3,670 MHz band within 2.1 km of either end of the runway.
This decision drew criticism from Indian telecom companies that have already launched commercial 5G services.
They argue that this restriction will result in lost revenue as they have made significant investments in acquiring 5G spectrum and the lack of connectivity at airports limits their potential to generate revenue for consumers and businesses.
GSMA calls on DoT to reconsider 5G restrictions
In June, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), a global body representing telecommunications service providers, called on the DoT to reconsider its 2022 decision.
The GSMA called on the authority to “take the necessary steps, together with stakeholders in the aviation sector, to expedite the replacement of radio altimeters within a specified timeframe where they are found to be potentially vulnerable to emissions outside their band (and in particular to emissions in the ‘5G’ band).”
India’s 5G scenario differs from that of the US
The issue of potential interference between 5G signals and aircraft systems first emerged when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning in January 2022.
However, India’s situation is different from that of the United States.
The operating range of 5G systems in India extends to 3,980 MHz, providing a spectral separation of 530 MHz between the 5G systems and the radio altimeters – almost twice that in the US.
