Airports, nearby areas may not get 5G network services anytime soon

DGCA asks telcos to ensure a buffer zone amid fears of C-band 5G interfering with aircraft altimeters

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked telecom companies to create a buffer and safety zone to ensure mitigation measures while implementing C-band 5G spectrum in and around an airport, in view of safety concerns for aircraft operations.

It has asked telcos that in 2,100 metres from both ends of the runway and 910 meters from the central line of the runway, there should not be any base station for the 3.3 GHz-3.67 GHz frequency range.

Also base stations beyond this zone, in a radius of 540 meters, can operate only at lower power limited to 58 dbm of the