What could possibly go wrong?

[yanpa]

Short of spectrum bandwidth for the next next generation of mobile internet devices? Simple - switch off air traffic control radar and rely on TV signals instead.

TV signals could be used to locate aircraft as 5G plans take shape

(British) Air Traffic Control Systems Could Ditch Radar And Release 5G Spectrum

Spectrum for 5G mobile networks could be freed up if a radical new system for air traffic control is approved.

Radar provider Thales has been given government funding by the Technology Strategy Board to investigate how existing TV signals could be used to locate and track aircraft – using a system called “multi-static primary surveillance radar”, or “passive radar“. The study also involves the UK’s air traffic control provider NATS and research organisation Roke Manor.

The government likes passive radar as it would allow it to sell off the spectrum currently used by air traffic control, while Thales argues that it would be much more reliable than the existing method, which has been in place since the Second World War.

...more...

[Coligny]

You can always trust the Britts for public transport safety... Look at all the improvments done thanks to Tatchers handling of the railways...

wait...

never mind...

[Russell]

I just wonder what will happen if due to some disaster the whole wireless system goes down. Will the planes then become unable to get down in a controlled way?

[Coligny]

I just wonder what will happen if due to some disaster the whole wireless system goes down. Will the planes then become unable to get down in a controlled way?

It's like if they would need someone inside who might be able to control them too...

Maybe we can patewnt that idea and become rich...

[J.A.F.O]

I just wonder what will happen if due to some disaster the whole wireless system goes down. Will the planes then become unable to get down in a controlled way?

An EMP would be fun. Starfish Prime japan style?