On July 1, wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon are set to begin running their 5G cellular networks at higher power levels near US airports, marking the end of a phase-in period. The change may lead to greater 5G performance in and around airports, but it may also lead to radio interference affecting aircraft that have not yet been equipped with gear that can accommodate the signals.
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines said that their fleets are already fully upgraded, while a spokesperson for United Airlines said the company will “complete this work on our mainline fleet by July 1.” Delta Air Lines said that due to a supplier issue, the airline will not be able to meet the July 1 deadline, with about 190 narrowbody aircraft still running the old radar altimeters. It added that all of its widebody aircraft will have the upgraded equipment by the deadline.