Who will pay for the FAA’s $7bn altimeter mandate?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing a $7 billion mandate requiring modifications to radio altimeters, aiming to prevent interference from 5G cellular signals. Cellular providers are responsible for funding these changes through substantial rebates outlined in recent FAA and FCC documents. These documents detail the reimbursement program designed to compensate US operators for the cost of compliance. Specifically, the initiative focuses on ensuring aviation safety by mitigating potential disruptions caused by new cellular technology. This proactive measure represents a significant investment coordinated between the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission.