The increasing demand for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations, has highlighted the additional need for communication networks, which are used to enable these airborne operations. Cellular networks, particularly those utilising LTE and 5G technologies, have emerged as a viable solution for supporting large-scale commercial drone organisations as they begin to move into new U-spaces. EASA, in a recent video recorded at Amsterdam Drone Week, clearly stated that cellular connectivity, in their opinion, will be one of the key enablers for very low level drone operations. In this article, we’ll cover some of the latest developments of co-operation between the telecommunications and drone industries and how they’re unlocking BVLOS operations at scale.
The EU Drone Strategy 2.0, which was released to foster sustainable mobility, recognises the potential of cellular networks in supporting large-scale commercial drone operations, citing the work done by the Aerial Connectivity Joint Activity (ACJA) working group. This strategy emphasises the importance of harmonising technical conditions for drone communications across Europe to integrate drones into new U-space airspaces. Furthermore, to meet the growing demand for BVLOS drone operations, the Electronic Communication Committee (ECC) has established harmonised technical conditions for drone communication using LTE and 5G bands.
These new U-space regulations also introduce Remote ID networks, showing the need for guaranteed connectivity in designated U-space airspaces. This development illustrates the central role of telecommunication providers in successfully deploying a set of services and procedures designed to support safe and efficient drone operations in U-spaces.
Germany: Vodafone Germany and DroNet
In response to this growing demand for services that enable drone operations, Vodafone Germany has launched DroNet, a digital data service for European drone operations. By using Dimetor’s AirborneRF software solution, DroNet accelerates the approval process and enhances the safety of airborne drone operations at scale. The service addresses critical concerns such as the number of people below the flight path and the stability of cellular connectivity between the pilot and the drone.
The service is available to drone operators and relevant authorities, and helps assess ground and connectivity risks, and expedite the approval process for drone flights in Germany. By providing real-time data on cellular coverage and the number of SIM cards connected to the mobile network below the flight path, DroNet contributes to safer and more efficient drone implementation. As drone operations in Germany are predicted to reach nearly half a million by 2023, it’s not wrong to assume that the demand for services like DroNet will continue to grow.
Trials in Sweden and Canada
Telia, a leading telecommunications company in the Nordic and Baltic countries, has also partnered with AirborneRF to provide supplementary data for safe BVLOS drone operations. This collaboration is part of the innovation project PNK, which aims to test and evaluate mobile networks for positioning, navigating and communicating with eVTOLs.
The trial in Sweden explores solutions for safe and secure large-scale BVLOS drone operations, opening up opportunities for drone deployment across various industries, including first responders, aerial mapping, inspection, surveillance, and delivery.
Similar to the trials in Sweden, TELUS, a leading telecommunications company in Canada, is also using the AirborneRF software for their drone operations with successful trials in spring 2021. The partnership allows organisations to begin scaling up beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights in industrial settings.
The Canadian trials aim to develop services for enterprise customers and aviation stakeholders to expand their drone operations for a greener future. Multiple drones will be flown simultaneously at altitudes between 90 and 100 metres, inspecting a 425km long corridor of Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada infrastructure. This trial aims to improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of inspections.
Ground and Air Risk Solutions in Switzerland and the Netherlands
KPN is also working to facilitate the growth of the commercial drone market by making their mobile networks suitable for drone use. Jacob Groote, responsible for Innovation and Partnerships at KPN, is developing a connectivity route planner for drone flights to ensure safe and efficient operations in the Netherlands.
Despite challenges in organising airspace and addressing legislative issues, KPN’s efforts in adapting its mobile network for drone use will help remove barriers and enable the commercial drone market to take off in that region.
In Switzerland, the Swiss FOCA and Sunrise are running a project to understand how to utilize dynamic data from cellular network for BVLOS drone operations and risk mitigation for digital SORA.
The future of cellular connectivity for drone operations
As the number of drone operations increases, so does the risk associated with them. Unfortunately, we currently lack a reliable detect and avoid system to ensure safety in congested airspaces. This can become an even bigger problem with the implementation of new and supposedly scalable U-spaces. However, cellular connectivity has the potential to change this by providing a robust and scalable detect and avoid solution for drone operations through the data provided by cellular networks.
EASA’s Sascha Oliver Schott also emphasised the importance of collaboration between drone organisations and telecommunications companies during a recent interview at Amsterdam Drone Week.
During the interview, Schott highlighted that fostering a strong relationship between these two industries is essential to develop an effective detect and avoid system for drones, particularly as the industry moves toward large-scale BVLOS operations. Cellular networks can play a pivotal role in this process, given their widespread availability and the growing ubiquity of mobile devices.
Integrating cellular connectivity into drone systems and fostering collaboration between aviation and telecommunications sectors can pave the way for safer and more efficient drone operations in the coming years, while making solutions scalable from the beginning.
Article originally published in Air Traffic Management magazine, issue 2, 2023. Want to receive all of the latest stories as soon as they are published? Register now for your free digital subscription.
