Avionics
Australia Tackles 5G Interference Issues
As 5G mobile phone services expand in Australia, the country's Civil Aviation Safety Authority looks to prevent 5G interference with radio altimeters.
5G cellphone tower at sunset
Australia's government is working to mitigate any possible avionics interference as the country's adoption of 5G cell phone service grows.

As 5G mobile phone services expand in Australia, the country’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says it is “working closely with the Australian Communications and Media Authority [ACMA] to ensure things run smoothly,” regarding efforts to prevent interference with radio altimeters. “CASA is coordinating with ACMA so that the rollout of wireless broadband services, including 5G in the 3.7–4.0 GHz band can be done in a way that ensures the safety of aircraft in Australia.”

Radio altimeters operate in the 4.2–4.4 GHz range and mid-band 5G transmissions have been introduced without issue in several jurisdictions. However, U.S. concerns about possible interference with radio altimeters, particularly during take-off and landings, have resulted in directives limiting certain operations and equipment upgrade requirements on U.S. airliners.

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