Federal government drops surprise restrictions on 5G service near airports

Federal government drops surprise restrictions on 5G service nearly airports

Unsurprisingly, carriers are pissed

Canadians living near airports may have a hard time getting 5G service thanks to a surprise declaration from the federal authorities.

The feds appear new restrictions on 5G service near virtually major airports over concerns of possible interference between the radio waves — chosen spectrum — used in 5G communications and certain aviation navigation tools. Co-ordinate to the Toronto Star, radio altimeters on aircraft operate on the 4,200 to iv,400 megahertz (MHz) frequency ring, which is about the recently-auctioned 3,500MHz spectrum considered crucial to mid-band (or Sub-6) 5G.

Using Toronto's Pearson Aerodrome as an case, the restrictions banning 5G base stations embrace a large area effectually the runways themselves. Moreover, restrictions covering ii long stretches from Etobicoke to Brampton and from Downsview to Mississauga will limit power apply, which can bear on network performance. A map from the Star shows the restricted areas.

The Department of Innovation, Science and Economical Development (ISED) said on August 6th that information technology would hold a cursory consultation before applying the restrictions around airports where planes are permitted to utilize automated landing.

The Star also detailed comments from carriers that are, unsurprisingly, upset about the restrictions. Telus was among the most vocal and claimed the restrictions reduced the $ii billion value of 3,500MHz spectrum it acquired at the contempo auction past virtually $100 meg. Telus also claims the government'due south restrictions are more than drastic than precautions taken in other countries.

For example, U.South. regulators determined a guard band of 220MHz would be "sufficient" to protect aviation industry needs. Farther, Telus claims Australia and Japan implemented guard zones of 200MHz and 100MHz respectively. The Canadian government, however, proposed a buffer zone between 550MHz and 700MHz.

In an email argument to the Star, ISED says it issued a message in March, well before the spectrum auction, committing to study the outcome. The bulletin also warned that the government may develop rules for 5G operation in the new spectrum band.

Although the carriers may gripe well-nigh the limitations, Canadians living in regions covered past the new restrictions volition as well lose out, especially if they've already upgraded to a new 5G-capable device in anticipation of the 3,500MHz rollout.

Source: Toronto Star