FCC vs FAA Story

Mon Jun 6 14:55:39 UTC 2022

> And here are some actual test results: https://www.rtca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SC-239-5G-Interference-Assessment-Report_274-20-PMC-2073_accepted_changes.pdf

People who understand radios don't think much of that report or the 
similar AVSI one.  If its claims were true, planes would be falling out of 
the sky before anyone turned on a C band radio.  See, for example:

https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/rational-decisions-needed-c-band-and-altimeters-industry-voices-rysavy

Look, we understand that altimeters are safety critical equipment.  We 
also understand that after the FCC's little experiment with 
self-regulation at Boeing, they're ultra cautious now.  On the other hand, 
you probably saw that after a string of apocalyptic warnings earlier this 
year about shutting down all air traffic the FAA said, well, actually, the 
altimeters in every plane flying commercial routes are OK.

Five years ago everyone knew that C band was coming.  A reasonable 
response would have been for the FAA to work with the FCC to figure out 
which altimeters might be affected (old cruddy ones, we now know), and 
come up with a plan and schedule to replace them.  If the telcos had to 
pay some of the costs, they would have grumbled but done it.  If the 
replacement schedule weren't done by now, they could live with that, too, 
so long as there were a clear date when it'd be done.

Instead the FAA stuck their fingers in their ears and said no, nothing can 
ever change, we can't hear you.  Are you surprised the telecom industry is 
fed up?

Regards,
John Levine, johnl at taugh.com, Primary Perpetrator of "The Internet for Dummies",
Please consider the environment before reading this e-mail. https://jl.ly