Why Wireless Carriers Are Not Interested in Bringing 5G to Airplanes

As of now, most wireless carriers are not interested in deploying 5G technology on airplanes. This reluctance is primarily driven by the challenges associated with the current transmission properties of 5G signals, coupled with the practical difficulties involved in providing this service across moving aircraft.

One of the main obstacles is the nature of 5G signals, which operate in the millimeter wave spectrum. These signals require a significant number of ground-based repeater antennas to function effectively. The high frequency band demands extensive infrastructure to ensure reliable coverage, which can be extremely costly. As a result, the financial constraints often outweigh the potential benefits for carriers.

Technical Challenges of 5G on Airplanes

The planes' high speed and constant movement pose additional complications. They travel at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, introducing a dynamic environment that makes it difficult to maintain consistent connectivity. The distance between the aircraft and ground antennas constantly changes, requiring frequent cell site handovers that can be challenging to manage reliably. This inherent issue necessitates the current reliance on satellite-based internet solutions for in-flight connectivity.

User Requirements and Current Technology Capabilities

A significant factor influencing the wireless carriers' stance is the user requirements and the current capabilities of 4G technology. Passengers on aircraft do not necessarily need the additional bandwidth that 5G offers, especially given its limited applicability in aircraft environments.

5G was designed for dense urban areas where devices are clustered and move slowly between cells. However, in an airplane, the distance from multiple ground antennas remains largely constant, and the aircraft moves through these areas much more quickly. This mismatch means that 5G can be less effective in providing seamless and reliable connectivity for in-flight internet users.

Cooperation Needed from Airlines

Another key point is that any deployment of 5G on airplanes would require close collaboration and investment from the airlines themselves. Sub-6 GHz frequencies, while technically feasible, may not provide significant advantages over existing 4G technology. The main motivation for utilizing higher frequency bands in 5G, such as the millimeter wave (mmWave), would be to deliver super-high data rates. However, airlines might not find this justifiable, as the benefits do not sufficiently offset the potential costs.

Conclusion: Balancing Budgets and End-User Demands

In conclusion, the reluctance of wireless carriers to deploy 5G on airplanes is a result of intricate technical challenges and financial considerations. While the technology holds significant promise in many applications, its application in aircraft faces substantial hurdles. For the near term, the current focus on terrestrial 4G networks and satellite-based internet solutions will likely continue to dominate the in-flight connectivity landscape.

The future of 5G in the sky might require breakthroughs in signal modulation, ground infrastructure, and improved cooperation between wireless carriers and airlines, all of which would be costly and complex. Nonetheless, the potential for enhanced in-flight connectivity and data services remains an area of ongoing research and development in the telecommunications industry.