The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly asked telecom operators to deploy more in-building solutions inside airports to improve connectivity for the passengers. However, telcos cannot deploy 5G inside airports due to concerns about C-band 5G interfering with the aircraft altimeters.
According to DoT, 3G/4G can help users sufficiently to get their work done. However, 5G cannot be launched inside the airports until all concerns are removed.
Further, DoT has asked telcos not to deploy 5G within a 2.1 km radius of the runway.
Furthermore, the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) had rejected the proposal from the telecom operators to provide 5G using low radio-frequency power output inside airports. According to DGCA, C-band 5G could interfere with the aircraft altimeters, which are important to gauge the distance between the aircraft and land.
As per Dot, the work is ongoing to change the altimeters inside the aircraft.
There is no timeline as to when the telcos will start offering 5G inside the airport. However, proper 4G coverage and Wi-Fi networks inside the airports can ensure that customers can get online work done with ease.
