Nokia and Australia-based Optus have teamed up to develop a tethered drone system fitted with a small cell. This design allows the drone to function as a portable tower to help maintain mobile coverage during emergencies.
Nokia’s small cell connects to Optus’ core network by satellite, allowing it to work independently without relying on a mobile tower, the companies stated.
Integrating the technologies enables rapid restoration of voice and data services in disaster-affected areas, they explained.
The drone made by Melbourne-based unmanned aerial vehicle technology company XM2 can run for up to seven days without re-charging, as its powered from a ground station. It can operate at altitudes of up to 120m and is designed to deliver 4G and 5G coverage with voice and SMS across about a 2km radius.
Optus CTO of Networks Tony Baird suggested there is strong potential for the technologies to play a role in improving preparedness and response during future natural disasters.
The drone system delivers 4,500W of continuous power and high-speed fibre connectivity to a heavy-lift drone platform, supporting payloads up to 15kg.
Tests of the drone and small cell systems took place at Macquarie University, with Optus investigating integrating them into its operational disaster response toolkit.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Nokia
