The European Commission is opening the door for European airlines to offer inflight 5G, by allocating certain spectrum for inflight 5G and previous mobile technology generations. Passengers will be able to connect to the ground via satellite. Data and calls are expected to be supported.
The EU commissioner said that 5G will enable innovative services for people. When it comes to possibilities, the sky is no longer a limit. 5G services may become available to flyers, but the Commission doesn't give a time frame.
The sky isn't a limit anymore.
In the past, passengers have been told to put their devices in airplane mode, but the rules have been loosened recently. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, airlines don't need to make their passengers use the mode for safety. Airplane Mode usually limits cellular access, but can allow other wireless technology.
The International Air Transport Association tells The Telegraph that Inflight 5G is not expected to have any safety issues. Planes use the 4.2-4.4 GHz range for their internet connection, while phones use the 5 GHz range.
In the US the relationship between 5G and the air travel industry has been more fraught, with airlines expressing concern earlier this year that the new 5G spectrum near airports could disrupt inflight equipment. The spectrum will be rolled out by the middle of next year, giving airlines time to retrofit their planes with equipment that isn't sensitive to the frequencies used. The FCC scrapped plans to allow inflight cellular connections due to opposition, according to a report.
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