Written Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on Aviation Safety Concerns Arising from Push for 5G Technologies and Mitigation Measures In Place to Ensure Safety in Singapore's Airspace

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether there are aviation safety concerns arising from Singapore's push for 5G technologies; and 

b.     if so, what are the mitigation measures that will be put in place to ensure aviation safety in Singapore's airspace.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran: 

1.     The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has been working closely with the Infocomm Media Development Authority, local telecommunication companies and international aviation regulators to assess the potential impact of 5G technology on aircraft operations in Singapore.

2.     Airline pilots operating in Singapore have not reported any interference to aircraft operations. The 5G network in Singapore uses a frequency band of 3.45 to 3.65 GHz, which is far away from that used by aircraft radio altimeters at 4.2 to 4.4 GHz. The 5G base stations in Singapore also have low power emission levels. These factors significantly lower the risk of any potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters. In addition, CAAS has conducted live trials in Singapore and these trials have not flagged any significant interference to aircraft operations. CAAS will continue to monitor this issue closely.