EU opens way for 5G boom on airlines, the road – and even the metaverse

The EU has approved the use of 5G on planes, potentially opening up a lucrative new market opportunity for innovative new data and wide inflight services. Currently there are around 30,000 flights a day in Europe (around 80% of which are intra-Europe).

Thierry Breton

Unveiling its decision, the EU’s European Commission said: “Airlines will be able to provide 5G technology on their planes, alongside previous mobile tech generations. Passengers aboard flights in the EU will be able to use their mobile phones to the maximum of their capacity and features, just like with a ground-based 5G network.”

Thierry Breton, commissioner for the internal market, said: “5G will enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies. The sky is no longer a limit when it comes to possibilities of super-fast, high-capacity connectivity.”

Since 2008, the Commission has reserved certain frequencies for mobile communications on planes, allowing airlines to provide messaging, phone calls and data services to passengers flying in the EU. This update of the Commission’s implementing decision paves the way for wide-spread deployment of 5G services.

The Commission also amended an implementing decision on 5GHz frequency bands, which makes the bands available for Wi-Fi in road transport, for example in cars and buses. The amending decision lays the foundation for innovations in the automotive industry and potentially for Metaverse applications. According to the amendment of the implementing decision, Member States can make 5GHz frequency bands available for use on road vehicles as early as possible and at the latest by 30 June 2023.