From: johnl@iecc.com   
      
   It appears that Bill Horne   said:   
   >Ergo, why the fuss?   
   >   
   >  * Are the avionics salesmen trying to create a firestorm of fear that   
   >    motivates airlines to buy brand new radar altimeters?   
      
   To some degree, but a lot of it is "everything was fine until you guys   
   showed up" and the FAA doesn't understand radios very well. The first   
   study of interference with identified equipment only showed up a   
   couple of weeks ago, after years of duelling press releases.   
      
   >  * Do the old altimeters have substandard design?   
      
   Definitely.   
      
   >  * Is the cellular industry choosing to ignore known risks?   
      
   It depends on your definition of known risks.  There are duelling studies,   
   the risks look pretty low to me, particularly if the telcos limit power   
   in cells near runways which would not be a big deal.   
      
   >  * Is it all a ploy by the cellular carriers to grab more spectrum for   
   >    cheaper prices?   
      
   Check how much they paid for C-band in the spectrum auction and you'll know   
   the answer to that one.  Heck, no.  But they may end up paying a lot more   
   if they're stuck with the cost of replacing every 30 year old altimiter   
   in the country.   
      
   R's,   
   John   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)