EC OKs 5G Use on Planes, Wi-Fi on Roads

Airlines will now be allowed to provide in-flight 5G services, the European Commission announced. Its updated decision on spectrum for mobile communications on aircraft will enable passengers to use their phones in the same way they do terrestrial networks, paving the way for widespread 5G deployment. The in-cabin service will use pico-cells to connect users and route calls, text and data, usually via a satellite network. The EC also amended an order on 5 GHz bands to make them available for Wi-Fi in cars, buses and other road transport. EU countries must make the spectrum available as soon as possible, or by June 30, 2023 at the latest.