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2024: Major U.S. 5G network equipment maker Airspan Networks files for bankruptcy
In early April 2024, American telecom equipment manufacturer Airspan Networks filed for bankruptcy. The corresponding application was sent to the US Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington (Delaware). Read more here.
2023: Increasing the power of 5G networks prevents planes from boarding. They are urgently switching to special equipment
At the end of June 2023, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg issued a warning that 5G cellular networks could cause problems for landing aircraft that do not have special equipment on board.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is concerned that C-band 5G signals affect the operation of certain aircraft devices. In particular, the readings of radar altimeters may be distorted. This does not pose a particular problem when pilots can clearly see the runway. However, in conditions of poor visibility, for example, in the dark or in fog, such failures can turn into a disaster.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents airlines that account for more than 80% of global air travel, said airlines were incurring huge costs to upgrade the onboard equipment of their airliners. The situation is worsened by failures in the supply chains of electronic components, due to which it is not possible to quickly install improved altimeters on aircraft. And this can result in flight delays and other problems.
From July 1, 2023, in the United States, aircraft without updated radar altimeters are prohibited from landing in low visibility conditions. IATA emphasizes that the situation will only worsen after 5G networks using the C-band reach full capacity. The International Pilots Association (ALPA) warns that it will take years before the next generation radar altimeter is designed, manufactured, certified and installed on aircraft in accordance with current requirements. Until then, ALPA notes, the safety of flights in the coverage area of 5G networks will remain under threat.[1]
2020
Delays in thousands of flights and losses of $1.6 billion a year. US airlines warn of the impact of 5G networks
In mid-December 2021, American airlines warned of the harmful impact of 5G networks, saying that this technology could delay, redirect or cancel flights, and interference from new communications could negatively affect equipment in aircraft and pose a safety threat in civil aviation. US air carriers warned that this could lead to flight delays and losses of up to $1.6 billion per year.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experts have warned air carriers and carriers of the potential danger of the fifth-generation standard. Experts separately noted that interference from 5G can affect critical equipment on aircraft, for example, radio altimeters. The FAA also recommended that flight manuals for aircraft and helicopters be revised to account for the impact of the new communications standard. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said after a US Senate Commerce Committee hearing on December 15, 2021 that the rollout of the new 5G frequency would be a catastrophic government failure and there would be a number of challenges for the air travel industry.
Verizon and AT&T spent more than $68 billion on C-band spectrum for their 5G networks. The spectrum is in the mid-range, making the frequency ideal for the technology. Unfortunately, this spectrum is very close to the same frequencies that aviation altimeters use. Although T-Mobile spent $9 billion, this was done mainly to fill the existing spectrum, which does not pose a danger to the aviation industry. Verizon and AT&T, by contrast, delayed rolling out the new spectrum before agreeing to lower power to avoid problems.
One of the FAA directives notes that the impact of 5G communication on the equipment of an aircraft can be especially strong at a short distance from the ground, namely, during takeoff or landing. At the same time, experts who noted the danger of the new standard expressed hopes that the technology itself and aviation will safely coexist. Specialists of the department added that in the future, specific situations and areas in which the use of technology can affect equipment can be determined.
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CITA) said concerns about interference were fear-mongering. At the same time, Kirby did not fail to point to the consequences of a new FAA directive aimed at addressing 5G, in which the agency prohibits the use of altimeters in conditions of poor visibility. The debate between 5G and the safety of air travel appears to be far from over, but one thing is clear: until this issue is resolved, airline passengers will experience more delays as the industry adjusts to the new directive.[2]
At auctions for the sale of 5G frequencies in the United States raised $70 billion
At the end of December 2020, it became known that $69.8 billion was raised at auctions for the sale of 5G frequencies in the United States, which became an absolute record for auctions for mobile frequencies. For comparison, the last record was set in 2015 during auctions for 4G frequencies and amounted to $44.9 billion. Auctions for 5G frequencies began on December 8 and will continue from January 4 after the New Year holidays, so the total amount raised will become even more.
The auction was organized by the US Federal Communications Commission, which put up for sale frequencies in the 3.7-4 GHz band. Among the main buyers were the leading US telecommunications companies Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile US, which have already launched their 5G networks in test mode in different regions of the United States. However, before the auction, they could only do this in low-frequency mode, which did not make a tangible difference with existing 4G networks. In total, 57 participating companies, including small regional mobile operators, are announced in auctions for the allocation of 5G frequencies in the United States.
After 45 rounds, the national average price for 1 MHz was $0.81. This amount can increase to $0.96 by category, taking into account the cost of taking satellite operators outside the used frequency band. Analysts estimate that C-band licenses will cost between $0.20 and $0.50 per 1 MHz.
The volume of bids in the current auction beat the highest forecasts of Wall Street analysts.
 | Record gross revenue is driven by surprisingly high and steady demand, wrote BitPath COO Sasha Javid in an analyst report. Verizon even raised $12.5 billion in pre-auction debt to get the most attractive frequencies.[3] |  |
5 Gb/s 5G connection speed achieved for the first time in the world
For the first time in the world, 5G connection speeds of more than 5 Gbps have been achieved. This happened in October 2020. The record was set by Verizon, Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies. Read more here.
The first auction for 5G frequencies took place in the United States. Raised $4.6 billion
At the end of August 2020, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the successful completion of the first auction to distribute licenses for priority access to frequencies for 5G in the 3550-3650 MHz range. The FCC noted that during the bidding, the largest number of licenses in the history of the FCC was bought out in one auction.
Auction organizers believe that the distributed band of licensed spectrum will contribute not only to the deployment of 5G, but also to the development of the next generation of wireless communications, as well as the Internet of Things and other innovative services.
| | It's a momentous day for American leadership on 5G and for American consumers. The 3.5 GHz spectrum distribution auction ended with deafening success, said FCC chief Ajit Pai. | |
He also noted that the high demand for licenses was a direct result of the reforms of the 3.5 GHz spectrum conversion commission. Pai also noted that the auction was a key part of the FCC's plan to accelerate frequency conversion for 5G.
The FCC reported that auction fees amounted to $4.586 billion, and bidders bought 20,625 licenses out of 22,631 offered, that is, more than 91.1% of the lots. No auction winners have been announced, but the FCC said it would provide detailed auction results, including the names of the winners and the timing of payments, within days.
The FCC plans to auction the new frequency band in December 2020. In June, satellite operators Intelsat and SES submitted detailed plans to the FCC for an accelerated conversion of the centimeter C-band, which is used to transmit a television signal, in favor of 5G. Operators can expect compensation in the amount of $3.97 billion if they manage to free up the frequency band by December 5, 2023.[4]
Pentagon to share military frequencies with operators to launch 5G networks
On August 10, 2020, the White House and the Pentagon revealed plans to help American telecommunications companies build new ultra-fast 5G networks, allowing commercial use of frequencies previously reserved for military radars.
This decision will open up 100 MHz of spectrum, which will be auctioned by the US Federal Communications Commission for joint use with companies.
According to the chief information officer of the US Department of Defense, Dana Deasy, the Pentagon will continue to use this frequency range, balancing commercial use with military needs.
US Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios noted that the sale of rights to the 3450-3550 MHz band could begin in December 2021, allowing the wireless industry to offer 5G services in these frequencies as early as mid-2022.
The military now uses bandwidth for powerful radar systems that are designed to be deployed aboard ships and aircraft. The movement of these systems is not expected, they will remain in the sold spectrum. The military plans to coordinate their use with the companies.
The company's telecoms says they need more frequencies to support growing demand and prepare for the shift to 5G with more data. The Donald Trump administration has made new networks a policy priority.
Even as the Trump administration pushes for a rapid expansion of 5G coverage, it is working to insulate Chinese equipment maker Huawei Technologies, saying it poses a security risk if used in the next generation of fast networks. Huawei denies the allegations. In the US, Huawei equipment is primarily used by operators in rural areas.[5]
Pentagon is building its 5G network
At the end of May 2020, the US Department of Defense announced the creation of its own fifth-generation network (5G), which it intends to use for military purposes.
Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada is selected to build its own 5G network. It is planned to put it into operation in early 2021.
It is noted that within the framework of the project, mobile cell towers will be installed at the military base, which can be dismantled in less than an hour. The network will be tested with the participation of mobile operating centers, where team members will use the network while moving. Only users involved in testing will have access to the network.
The Pentagon stated that 5G technology is extremely important for preserving the military and economic advantages of the United States. Earlier, military bases in Utah, Washington, California and Georgia were chosen to test the prototype of the 5G network.
At the same time, the Pentagon intends to share military frequencies with operators of 5G networks in the United States. AN/SPY-1 radars operate at these frequencies , which, according to the Ministry of Defense, are capable of detecting Russian Zircon hypersonic missiles at a distance of about 308 km.
The Pentagon is ready to offer the infrastructure at its disposal as a test site for the development of 5G technology. The connection of the military department should help accelerate the development of fifth-generation internal networks, the implementation of which is dominated by China.[6]
| | We know that commercial telecommunications initiatives are far superior to anything the Pentagon is capable of. Figuratively speaking, we claim only to be a flea on the tail of a telecommunications dog. Still, we have national security needs. And in cases where the Pentagon can contribute to the formation of a competitive environment or stimulate the development of technologies in areas important to the military department, we will connect, "said Mike Griffin, technical director of the Ministry of Defense. | |
Nokia announces global 5G network speed record in Dallas
On May 19, 2020, the company Nokia announced a global network speed record. 5G The record was set on Nokia's radio access network in Dallas, Texas. More. here
Pentagon: New 5G frequencies will disrupt GPS
Disputes over the distribution of frequencies to 5G systems do not subside in Russia, but, as it turned out, similar problems arise in the United States.
In April-May 2020, the struggle between the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and the Pentagon around the middle spectrum of frequencies, which has a potentially better ratio of coverage and speed in 5G networks, escalated. The small American company Ligado Networks, which received approval for the frequency spectrum from the FCC, unexpectedly faced a serious confrontation from the Department of Defense.
Ligado Networks, formerly known as LightSquared, has long been involved in the deployment of a satellite network that was used as an infrastructure for cellular networks, the company has a fairly large portfolio of L-band frequency licenses.
The problems began when the company decided to deploy its 5G network in the United States and received permission to apply its frequencies to terrestrial systems from the FCC in April 2020.
Defense officials visited Capitol Hill in early May to express concern that the new ground network would interfere with military and civilian GPS systems, posing a threat to national and public safety.
| | The FCC decision would disrupt the daily lives, commercial activities of millions of Americans, and bring unacceptable risk to systems that are critical to emergency response, aviation and missile defense Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
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To reduce the likelihood of interference, the Federal Communications Commission imposed severe restrictions on the use of the Ligado spectrum, limiting the output power of transmitters by more than 99% and placing buffer zones around their frequencies. While the restrictions were enough to satisfy much of the commercial GPS industry, they did not satisfy everyone. The maximum protest came from the Department of Defense, which uses GPS to coordinate tactical operations, launch spacecraft, monitor threats and navigate in the air and at sea. FCC tech experts who have studied the problems for years say the precautions outlined in the commission's decision, including power limits on Ligado radio stations, should mitigate any dangerous interference.
| | After years of consideration, it is time for the FCC to decide and complete this proceeding. We have compiled an extensive report that confirms that the public interest lies in the satisfaction of Ligado's application when imposing severe conditions to prevent harmful interference FCC Chairman Ajit Pai
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Following the FCC's decision, the Department of Defense addressed the Senate on May 6. Dana Deasy, the senior IT officer, along with Gen. John Raymond, the head of space operations, and Michael Griffin, the head of research and development, spoke before the Senate Armed Services Committee. They said interference from 5G radios that Ligado plans to deploy on Earth would affect the accuracy of weapons systems as well as disrupt the 911 first aid system, which relies on GPS location information.
For its part, Ligado says it plans to invest $800 million in infrastructure to help create more than 8,000 urban and rural jobs in all 50 states. The company claims its spectrum could be used to speed up 5G rollout in the US.
Being "first" in 5G is the main goal of US policy now with the support of the administration of US President Donald Trump, as well as bipartisan support in the FCC and in Congress. Policy experts believe the outcome of the 5G race is likely to determine whether the US continues to maintain technological superiority and shape geopolitics over the next few decades, or cedes that control to countries like China, which sees technological dominance as a way to become a global superpower.
| | The FCC's move to approve the use of Ligado's spectrum for 5G is vital to our national security, as it will help ensure that the United States is a world leader in cutting-edge technologies like AI, the Internet of Things, and next-generation telemedicine Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
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US government oversees software development for 5G equipment to counter Huawei
On February 4, 2020, it became known that technology and telecommunications companies, including Microsoft, Dell and AT&T, are developing software for 5G equipment under the control of the American government. Through this work, the White House expects to weaken Huawei's leading position in this market.
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow, the authorities want companies to use uniform development standards that allow a software developer for 5G systems to run on equipment from any manufacturer. Such an initiative should reduce the dependence of telecom providers on Huawei technology.
According to Kudlow, the White House is committed to ensuring that "all 5G architecture and infrastructure in the United States is done by American companies." At the same time, the adviser did not rule out attracting European manufacturers of telecommunications equipment to launch 5G networks in the United States. Possible partners include Ericsson and Nokia.
In January 2020, US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos met with the CEOs of several companies, including Borye Ekholm from Ericsson and Rajiv Suri from Nokia.
| | Ericsson has done an excellent job on 5G, the American leader said at the time. | |
US authorities claim Huawei has strong ties to the Chinese military, making the use of their equipment a threat to US national security. Huawei denies this and says it operates independently, the WSJ said in a release.
The publication also reports that initially Donald Trump's plans, instead of developing software standards for 5G, included subsidizing a new manufacturer of hardware for these networks. According to Kudlow, the president did not set specific deadlines for all work on the project.[7]
2019: Pentagon urges telecom giants to create open source software for 5G equipment to oust Huawei
In late December 2019, the Pentagon called on American telecommunications equipment manufacturers to join forces in 5G technology to create software for new equipment and push Huawei out of the market.
Lisa Porter, who oversees research and development at the Department of Defense, asked American companies to develop software for open source 5G equipment. Otherwise, Porter warned, their technology risks becoming obsolete before it even enters the market.
The creation of open radio access networks would allow telecom operators to purchase ready-made hardware from a wide range of distributors and not depend on closed systems from foreign manufacturers (primarily Huawei). The Chinese equipment maker dominates the 5G solutions market, which the Pentagon believes could pose a threat to US national security.
American officials are looking for all sorts of ways to undermine Huawei's influence in the United States, and most of this effort is aimed at pushing the Chinese manufacturer out of the Western market. For example, the State Department asked U.S. telecoms companies to comply with supplier chain rules that would essentially prevent Huawei from expanding Huawei in the local market. At the same time, the Trump administration is starting to look for incentives for Huawei's competitors. So far, such measures are working for European manufacturers like Nokia and Ericsson, since no American company has yet produced 5G base stations.
By December 2019, as U.S. authorities consider providing tax breaks for the open-source initiative, company executives are privately voicing their doubts. They fear that the government will give a competitive advantage to a specific product that simply will not be ready for release by the right time.[8]
2018
Launch of AT&T 5G network
On December 18, 2018, AT&T announced the commercial launch of the fifth generation (5G) network. The technology will first be available to subscribers in 12 major cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Louisville, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Raleigh, San Antonio and Waco. Read more here.
Verizon launches world's first commercial 5G network
On October 1, 2018, Verizon announced the launch of the world's first commercial fifth generation (5G) network. The operator deployed it in four American cities: Sacramento, Los Angeles, Houston and Indianapolis. The company has officially declared Houston resident Clayton Harris "the first 5G network customer in the world." The new network will provide an average speed of 300 Mbps, and the maximum will reach 940 Mbps. Read more here.
T-Mobile US signs world's first major contract to build 5G network
On July 30, 2018, it became known about the conclusion of the world's first major contract for the construction of fifth-generation (5G) networks American. the operator, T-Mobile US which is part of the German holding, Deutsche Telekom has agreed to purchase the relevant telecommunication equipment. Nokia More. here
U.S. state 5G network discussion to protect against China
Officials from the National Security Council USA are considering the possibility of creating a single state 5G network in the country to protect against, China Axios reports, citing documents at its disposal[9]
As follows from the documents, the United States needs to create a centralized nationwide 5G network within three years. In the next 6-8 months, discussions should begin in the US presidential administration regarding ways to create and finance the project.
The documents set out two options for the development of events. First, the US government will create a single network on its own. The second is that Internet providers will build their own 5G networks that will compete with each other. The materials note that the second option may take longer and cost more, but one of the "advantages" of this plan is less pressure on the industry.
According to the source involved in the compilation of these documents, the second option is actually not acceptable to the US government. To protect the United States from China and other opponents, the country needs a single centralized network. The question is whether the US government will be engaged in the construction of the network, or whether private companies, united in a single consortium, will do so.
According to the documents, the United States should build a high-speed 5G wireless network as soon as possible, since "China already dominates the production and operation of network infrastructure" and "China is the dominant opponent of the United States in the information space."
Notes
- ↑ 5G deadline threatens airline disruptions during peak summer travel
- ↑ United Airlines boss warns 5G rollout could be ‘catastrophic’
- ↑ C-band nears $70B, rockets above prior US spectrum auctions
- ↑ FCC Concludes First Mid-Band 5G Auction
- ↑ Pentagon to share spectrum with US telecoms firms to help build 5G networks
- ↑ Pentagon, Air Force Forge 5G Network Development Partnership
- ↑ U.S. Pushing Effort to Develop 5G Alternative to Huawei
- ↑ Pentagon wants open-source 5G plan in campaign against Huawei
- ↑ The United States may create a single state 5G network to protect against China.
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