5G up in the air

Stuart Forster looks into whether 5G use is really likely aboard aircraft flying in EU airspace this summer…

On November 24 2022 the European Commission (EC) made an announcement relating to mobile communications onboard aircraft and wi-fi aboard road vehicles. It was interpreted in some quarters as suggesting 5G services would be accessible by the coming summer holiday season.

That is because the date of June 30 2023 was mentioned, specifically in the context of 5GHz frequency being available for use on road vehicles.

“Airlines will be able to provide the latest 5G technology on their aircraft, alongside previous mobile technology generations,” said the publication. And Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, was quoted as saying: “5G will enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies. The sky is no longer a limit when it comes to the possibilities offered by super-fast, high-capacity connectivity.”

The way it was

Prior to 2008, the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) was not permitted during flights due to concerns that they could cause interference to aircraft communication and navigation systems, notably Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Innovation relating to avionics and the shielding of components facilitated the safe use of PEDs during flights.

Aircraft need a picocell, base station equipment that facilitates Mobile Communications onboard Aircraft (MCA). Compatible with the aircraft’s avionics, it makes use of PEDs onboard aircraft possible under certain technical conditions.

“The frequency bands used onboard are subject to technical limitations that are described in the decision itself and were developed by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT). These rules consider amongst other the safety and interference aspects,” explained an EC source.

Change is calling

The June date is one of the deadlines by when EU member states must authorise the use of frequency bands to start operating onboard systems. “The final decision on whether passengers can actually make use of this new service lies with the airline – passengers must always follow the instructions provided by their airline – and instructions may differ one aircraft to another, depending on the aircraft’s readiness to support the service as well as the type of PED used by the passenger,” confirmed the EU official.

Aircraft equipped with MCA technology will enable passengers to make calls above the altitude of 3,000 metres. Airlines can choose whether voice calls are allowed during flights. •