5G Deadline Sparks Airline Retrofitting Rush and Potential Delays

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned airlines that flights could be disrupted starting this week because some planes lack updated equipment to prevent interference from transmissions by wireless companies. Only planes retrofitted with the right equipment will be allowed to land when visibility is poor. The warning comes just before wireless carriers will be free to boost the power of their C-Band, 5G signals on July 1. Airlines have told the government they are having trouble getting equipment to retrofit planes because of supply-chain problems.