5G in planes in Europe? That’s it, it happens


Alexander Schmid

November 24, 2022 at 5:25 p.m.

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5G plane © Ross Parmly / Unsplash

© Ross Parmly/Unsplash

Planes flying over the European Union will be able to integrate an in-flight access service to the 5G mobile network for passengers.

The European Commission announced on November 24, 2022 that it would authorize airlines to offer 5G connectivity on their planes.

5G is coming to airplanes

Passengers on board EU flights will be able to use their mobile phone to its maximum capacity and functionality, just like with a 5G mobile network on the ground “, indicates the press release of the EU.

The decision of the European Commission on mobile communications on board aircraft is in fact an update of a text which already, since 2008, allows airlines to provide messaging, telephone and data services to their passengers in European airspace, and on specific reserved frequencies.

Now, the latest generation of mobile network is also invited on board. “ 5G will enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European businesses. The sky is no longer the limit when it comes to the possibilities offered by ultra-fast, high-capacity connectivity “, reacted Thierry Breton, commissioner in charge of the internal market.

5 GHz Wi-Fi for road vehicles

Such a service will be provided through an equipment called picocell. It is a small cellular base station with short range coverage, ideal for areas with limited surface, such as airplanes. It is generally based on a satellite network, which serves as a relay with the ground network, to allow voice calls, the sending and reception of SMS messages, as well as Internet access via mobile data.

The Commission has also looked into connectivity issues for road transport, this time with regard to Wi-Fi. It authorized the exploitation of the 5 GHz frequency bands in this case, which will therefore be able to be used in buses and cars.

The decision lays the foundation for innovations in the automotive industry and potentially for Metaverse applications “, according to the Commission. Member States have until June 30, 2023 at the latest to make the 5 GHz bands available to road vehicles, but the EU recommends deployment as soon as possible.

Source : European Commission



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