ARCEP is opening a public consultation on the potential use of 5G on board aircraft.
Very recently, on November 23, 2022, the European Commission adopted an implementing decision establishing a new operating framework for mobile communications services on board aircraft flying within the European Union. In other words, the EU has given the green light for certain in-flight 5G frequencies as if they were on the ground. The Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) is now proposing a draft decision whose objective is to transpose the European decision. It therefore invites all interested parties to take part in a public consultation on the subject, which runs until 1er next March. Let’s take stock of this future innovation.
A very precise delimitation of the frequencies usable on board aircraft…
By regularly updating its implementing decision since 2008, the European Commission has paved the way for the widespread deployment of 5G services on board aircraft. This service is provided inside the cabin through a network equipment called “pico-cell”. It allows users to connect and see their calls, texts and data routed through a satellite network, all between the aircraft and the mobile network on the ground.
With more particular regard to French airspace, the framework of radio frequencies by mobile communications services on board aircraft authorizes the use of 2G, 3G and 4G networks in the devices. This authorization has been running since 2014.
ARCEP, in its call for public consultation, states that it wants to introduce additional technologies and access measures for the operation of mobile communications services on board aircraft. But for that, certain technical requirements will have to be met.
In the telecom constable’s draft decision, we learn that the altitude above the ground for a transmission from such a system in operation must be at least 3,000 meters. And only certain frequency bands will be tolerated in the provision of mobile communications services on board aircraft: 1710-1785 MHz; 1805-1880MHz; 1920-1980MHz; and 2110-2170 MHz. The 925-960 and 2110-2170 MHz frequency bands will only be used to prevent mobile terminals from connecting to ground networks.
… for obvious security reasons
” These installations must not cause any harmful interference to radioelectric installations using frequencies specifically assigned to their user and do not benefit vis-à-vis the latter from any protection against harmful interference. In particular, the operators of these installations must prevent any harmful interference with the terrestrial mobile networks and eliminate the risks of connection of the systems providing mobile communications services on board the aircraft to the mobile networks on the ground. “warns ARCEP.
In the United States, the use of 5G very regularly causes disruptions in the air sector, the fault of too close proximity (around 200 MHz) between the band used for 5G and the radio altimeters, which allow the aircraft to assess its altitude relative to the ground using radio waves. In France, the difference is much greater, 400 MHz, which limits the disturbances due to very high speed connections.
So don’t expect to benefit from full-power 5G in full flight. In addition, the obstacle of the economic model of air transport must be taken up. Some companies limit themselves to the free use of Wi-Fi messaging applications, such as WhatsApp, to exchange written messages only. Prices soar very quickly when you want to take advantage of a real internet service.
Source: ARCEP press release
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