The roll-out of new 5G services in the US has been delayed again after several carriers said the new C-band technology could disrupt aircraft communication and navigation systems.
Telecommunication firms AT&T and Verizon have agreed to temporarily defer plans to turn on their 5G wireless towers near US airports.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and six other passenger and cargo carriers warned the deployment of the technology could lead to the grounding of a number of flights due to interference.
According to the Financial Times, AT&T said it had voluntarily agreed to "temporarily defer turning on" a limited number of 5G-enabled towers around "certain" airport runways.
Verizon was also planning launch its 5G network on Wednesday (19 January) but has decided to limit the roll-out around airports.
US president Joe Biden said the telecoms companies’ concession "protects flight safety and allows aviation operations to continue without significant disruption".