Have you ever wondered why smartphones are designed with airplane mode?
Flight mode stops devices from emitting radio signals that may cause electromagnetic interference with aircraft systems, electronics, or communications.
Smartphones are designed with 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and the next generation 5G capacity. 5G is the newest generation of mobile internet connection that supports high download speed and transmits data at low latency.
5G operates with a high frequency close to the frequency of a radio signal to transmit electromagnetic energy at a fast rate. The radio altimeters on airplanes use almost the same frequencies to determine the aircraft’s altitude to the ground and aid the transmission of signals for safety and navigation systems.
The concern is due to the interference of 5G data transmission on the radio altimeter of airplanes, thereby causing the instruments to malfunction; this can result in safety problems, especially when landing.
The interference of 5G transmission could also cause airplanes to veer off the runway as it becomes difficult to slow the plane.
The good news about 5G apart from the excellent internet experience is that it can be operated at a lower frequency or power so as not to interfere with aircraft transmission but would that not affect the signal quality of the 5G network?
Countries like the US and France have taken measures to reduce the possible risks posed by the 5G transmission on airplanes.
It is an issue of compliance by passengers to activate the airplane mode while traveling by air. Still, you would agree that not all passengers will likely comply with the instruction.
However, this does not mean a single phone call can cause a plane crash. Still, the 5G interference of different devices on board is not safe for aircraft instruments.
As Nigeria embraces the 5G technology, what would you do if you were surrounded by carefree passengers on board?
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Photo by Chris Leipelt
