By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA), head is scheduled to appear before a February 3 U.S. House of Representatives hearing about new C-Band 5G deployments and their impact on aviation safety. Sources told Reuters Wednesday that this was a matter of interest.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members will be able to hear Steve Dickson (FAA Administrator) and other representatives of the wireless and aviation industries. They include representatives from Airlines for America (a trade association representing passengers and cargo airlines) and Aerospace Industries Association (representing aircraft manufacturers).

In a statement made to Reuters, Peter DeFazio, Chairman of the Committee said that Administrator Dickson and other witnesses should be prepared to have a vigorous discussion on how the goals of a 5G deployment are compatible with safety for our skies.

AT&T (NYSE:) and Verizon Communications (NYSE: ) On Jan. 18, the company agreed to defer switching new towers close to key airports, while simultaneously turning on the 5G C-Band Service.

The FAA warned that interference could be caused by 5G technology, which uses radio altimeters to provide information on the height of the aircraft above the ground in order for bad-weather landings.

Major U.S. cargo and passenger carriers raised concerns about a possible “catastrophic” aviation crisis last week and warned that 5G deployment close to some airports would not be delayed “the vast majority” of travelers and shippers.

Although the FAA did not respond to Dickson’s testimony, it said that Tuesday, they approved additional altimeters which allow approximately 90% of U.S. commercial aircraft fleets to make low-visibility landings at 5G wireless airports.

Seven additional altimeters were cleared by the FAA, making it total to 20.

According to sources, Verizon has agreed not to turn off 500 towers located near airports temporarily while carriers and administrators work out a permanent solution.

This is a problem that disrupts landings at small airports during poor weather, especially regional ones. There are also serious concerns over what happens when wireless carriers switch on towers close to airports.

DeFazio explained that the airline travel industry is now experiencing operational effects. “All parties should work together in order to mitigate these effects and develop long-term solutions which will improve safety and minimize disruptions at affected airports.”

Boeing (NYSE: ) 747, 737 and 757 planes models have been cleared by altimeters. Embraer 120, 170 and 190 regional aircrafts.