CLEVELAND — Akron-Canton Airport is one of 50 across the nation that has been designated with a 5G buffer zone by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA has been concerned about the new 5G launched by Verizon and AT&T using frequencies in a radio spectrum called the C-Band. The FAA says the C-Band is close to the same spectrum used by altimeters, which provide highly accurate information about an aircraft’s height above the ground.
AT&T and Verizon say they will delay turning on 5G cell towers within a 2-mile radius of runways designated by federal officials. While Akron-Canton Airport is in that 5G buffer zone, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is not.
"The health, safety, and security of the traveling public is the Akron-Canton Airport’s top priority," said Lisa Dalpiaz, Akron Canton Airport's Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. "Work is being done between the aircraft manufacturers, air carriers and FAA to ensure there are no disruptions to operations at CAK while this matter is being resolved on a federal level, which we hope is within the six-month buffer window."
Dalpiaz told 3News that currently with the delayed 5G rollout, "we are not experiencing any disruptions to air service at CAK."
The FAA said it will allow planes with accurate, reliable altimeters to operate during the rollout, but planes with older altimeters will not be allowed to make landings when conditions offer low visibility.
To view a full list of airports placed under a 5G buffer, click here.
WBNS 10TV's Emily Oliver contributed to this story
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