Protecting Critical Aviation Systems: Securing Spectrum Safeguards in High-Stakes FCC Proceedings
Problem
When 5G wireless expansion threatened to interfere with critical aviation navigation systems, our team led a successful regulatory campaign before the FCC – securing vital protections for radio altimeters through 2028 and positioning our client for continued advocacy as next-generation wireless services evolve.
Our client, a key member of the aviation industry, faced an emerging threat: FCC spectrum allocation proceedings for the lower and upper C bands risked authorizing wireless services that could cause destructive interference with radio altimeters – safety-critical systems essential for aircraft navigation and landing. 5G wireless expansion threatened to interfere with critical aviation navigation systems essential for aircraft safety.
5G wireless expansion threatened to interfere with critical aviation navigation systems.
Solution
In the lower C band proceeding, our campaign secured voluntary mitigation measures from 5G carriers that will protect radio altimeters from interference through January 2028. In the ongoing upper C band proceeding, we continue to advocate for protection of critical navigation systems and appropriate reimbursement for interference-resistant equipment upgrades required when upper C band auction winners launch 5G and 6G services.
Our team led a successful regulatory campaign before the FCC – securing vital protections for radio altimeters through 2028 and positioning our client for continued advocacy.
Results
Our regulatory team mounted a comprehensive advocacy strategy across multiple FCC proceedings. We coordinated with aviation industry stakeholders to prepare detailed FCC comments and reply comments and engaged in strategic ex parte proceedings to ensure decision-makers understood the technical risks and the need for robust interference protections.