Powering the future of drone services across the UK
The mobile communications and aviation industries are coming together in exciting new ways. When paired with cellular connectivity, low-altitude unmanned drones can support ground-breaking use cases such as search and rescue, infrastructure inspections, precision agriculture, and even the delivery of medical supplies to help improve access to healthcare and save lives.
The GSMA is actively working with the mobile communications and aviation industries to maximize the use of Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) capabilities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and help create an open and trusted regulatory environment. In partnership with the Global Unmanned Traffic Management Association (GUTMA), the GSMA has launched Aerial Connectivity Joint Activity (ACJA) which focuses on promoting interchange and understanding between the aviation and cellular communities. The purpose is to enhance information sharing and collaboration to enable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to operate BVLOS and unleash the potential of drones throughout Europe.
BT is a prime example of how communication service providers are laying the groundwork and investing in the future of cellular-connected drone services.
Commercial cellular connectivity is an important enabler for the emerging drone market, supporting key requirements of the drone ecosystem, such as control, security, and law enforcement. By providing secure and resilient mobile network connectivity through the power of 4G and 5G commercial networks via its EE mobile arm1, communication service providers like BT are playing a vital role in ensuring that drones remain connected for greater situational awareness, accurate positioning, and collision avoidance – making sure that drones can be operated safely and responsibly across UK skies. Utilizing an existing commercial cellular network provides an economically viable route to accelerate connected drones at scale. The approach negates the need for significant new investment in infrastructure and associated delays in the market.