FCC Filing Challenges Rebate Gaps in 5G Spectrum Retrofit Program

A new filing in FCC Docket 24-275 highlights potential financial discrepancies in the federal government’s plan to reimburse aviation stakeholders for equipment upgrades necessitated by 5G spectrum deployment. The comment, filed by Brian DeCamp, addresses Public Notice DA 26-1076, which outlines the rebate structure for replacing or upgrading radio altimeters (RAs) that are susceptible to interference from C-Band 5G signals. The filing specifically identifies a regulatory gap regarding non-transport airplanes not certified under 14 CFR Part 25. While the FCC’s current proposal includes a $50,000 rebate per unit for full replacements of radio altimeters in this aircraft category, the filer notes that the Appendix lacks a designated rebate for 'upgrades' to existing units. This omission suggests that operators who choose to modify existing hardware rather than install entirely new systems may be ineligible for federal funding under the current language. The stakeholders affected primarily include general aviation operators and smaller fleet owners who utilize non-transport category aircraft. For telecom investors, this docket is critical as it manages the friction between the wireless industry’s 5G rollout and aviation safety concerns. Delays or disputes in the reimbursement process can impact the speed at which wireless carriers can operate at full power in certain C-Band frequencies near airports. As the FCC refines these rebate categories, the final cost of the 'Rip and Replace' or retrofit cycle for aviation hardware will become clearer, impacting the long-term regulatory certainty for spectrum holders.