EU roadmap – 5G and aircraft radio altimeters

14 May 2024: In recent years, the rollout of 5G wireless networks has sparked concerns about potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters. Last month, the first public version of the EU roadmap for ensuring safe co-existence between mobile networks and aircraft radio altimeters was published.

A EUROCONTROL ‘Think Paper’ published in 2022 concluded that whilst the risk is currently relatively low in Europe when compared to the US, this should be no grounds for complacency.  EASA have also stated that whilst it has not been able to determine the ‘presence of an unsafe condition’, ongoing co-ordination is required and that they will continue to monitor the issue.

Against that backdrop, an EU roadmap for ensuring safe co-existence between mobile networks and aircraft radio altimeters has been jointly prepared by DG CNECT and DG MOVE with support from EASA, and considering the comments received from the members of the EASA and Radio Spectrum Committees.

The main objective of the roadmap is to ensure a harmonised approach and co-ordination of the activities deployed on the spectrum side and activities deployed on the aviation side.

Members should note that no decision on need for a potential retrofit of radio altimeters will be made until the reports from the studies conducted by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) are available, and the new Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) is available.

Should such a need be identified, a new EASA Rulemaking Task (RMT) will be established, with industry consulted as per established processes.

To access the roadmap, please click here.