AT&T says it will delay some 5G after airlines raise alarms

AT&T says it will delay some new 5G wireless service after the airline industry raised alarms about potential interference with important systems on planes

AT&T will postpone new wireless service near some airports planned for this week after the nation's largest airlines said the service would interfere with aircraft technology and cause massive flight disruptions.

The company said Tuesday it would delay turning on new cell towers around runways at some airports — it did not say how many — and work with federal regulators to settle a dispute over potential interference from new 5G service.

The decision came after the airline industry raised the stakes in a showdown with AT&T and Verizon over plans to launch new 5G wireless service this week, warning that thousands of flights could be grounded or delayed if the rollout takes place near major airports.

Verizon and a trade group for the telecom industry, CTIA, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.