Virgin Media develops 5G drone for search and rescue missions

Virgin Media O2 has developed a 5G-connected drone that’s designed to bolster communication for search and rescue teams.

The Warwickshire Search and Rescue team is the first to trial the 5G drone. In vast and remote terrains, establishing reliable communication proves to be a challenge for rescue teams—hindering their ability to execute time-critical missions effectively.

Virgin Media O2's 5G Technical Trials team devised a solution that leverages a network of...

13 December 2023 | 5G

Amazon will launch delivery drones in the UK and Italy next year

Amazon has announced the expansion of its Prime Air drone package delivery system to international locations.

Starting in late 2024, customers in the UK, Italy, and a third undisclosed city in the US will have the option to receive their packages via drones.

The current Prime Air service, operational in the US for almost a year, has been delivering packages weighing up to five pounds within one hour.

Prime Air’s expansion will include the introduction of the...

19 October 2023 | Applications

BT unveils UK’s first ‘Drone SIM’ to revolutionise BVLOS operations

BT has unveiled the UK's first “Drone SIM,” promising to revolutionise beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations nationwide.

The solution functions at altitude through the EE network and offers unlimited data plans and continuous connectivity in the sky—setting the stage for transformative changes in various industries.

Drone SIM is designed to withstand extreme conditions – including vibrations, temperature variations, and humidity – ensuring its...

12 October 2023 | 5G

FAA grants UPS permission for BVLOS drone package deliveries

UPS has secured approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) package deliveries using Matternet’s M2 Drone.

The approval signifies a significant milestone for drone delivery services in the United States—granting UPS the ability to operate M2 drones without the need for costly visual observers to monitor airspace.

Instead, UPS will leverage ground-based RADAR technology to scan the skies for potential air...

7 September 2023 | Drones

Orkney Islands become UK’s first location for drone mail deliveries

The Orkney Islands have become the first location in the UK to have mail delivered by drones.

The pioneering initiative, known as the Orkney I-Port operation, is a collaboration between Royal Mail and drone firm Skyports. The project aims to streamline mail distribution between the islands and improve service levels and delivery times for residents.

Working in partnership with the council's harbour authority and Loganair, Royal Mail will transport letters and parcels...

1 August 2023 | Drones

GSMA Intelligence: UK is falling behind in drone innovation

A report by GSMA Intelligence highlights the UK's lagging position in the global race for drone innovation.

Commissioned by BT Group, the report emphasises the need for the UK to learn from international peers and implement recommended measures to ensure its leadership in the burgeoning drone economy.

The research, supported by BT Group, reveals that countries such as Japan, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy have made significant progress in developing their drone...

8 June 2023 | Drones

BT powers a UK-first medical drone trial

BT is using its network to power a transformational medical delivery trial.

The UK’s largest telco by subscribers has partnered with drone specialists Skyfarer and Medical Logistics UK to conduct the country’s first over-land Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) trial.

BVLOS enables drones to travel longer distances, cut delivery times, and reduce the costs involved in ground transportation over often-congested roads.

The drone trial – completed in the...

3 April 2023 | Applications

SpaceX bans Ukraine from using Starlink for drones

SpaceX has banned Ukraine from using Starlink satellite connectivity for controlling drones and other military purposes.

Drones have proven critical in Ukraine’s defense from Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Starlink, meanwhile, has kept Ukraine connected amid Russia’s targeting of communications infrastructure.

Right now, I don’t have electricity at my home. I also don’t have cellular. My internet provider is down.Why? Because Russia is...

9 February 2023 | Drones

AT&T touts robotic dogs ‘for public safety and national defense’

AT&T plans to use robotic dogs for a range of use cases aimed at improving “public safety and national defense”.

The US telecoms giant is teaming up with Ghost Robotics on the endeavour that will enhance the FirstNet emergency responder service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BL3jHR6-po

“Robotic dogs are just one way we are proving the innovation and transformational possibilities of 5G and IoT,” explained Lance Spencer, Client Executive VP – Defense...

26 January 2023 | 5G

Drone delivery pioneer Wing expands to Ireland

Alphabet-subsidiary Wing is flying to Ireland for the next expansion of its drone delivery services.

The company’s autonomous delivery drones pack computer vision for situational awareness and onboard flight planning and navigation systems. The drones have the ability to self-diagnose errors and respond to delivery requests on demand.

Wing currently operates pilot programs in Australia, Finland, and the US. In the coming weeks, Wing will add Lusk – a small town 20km...

21 October 2022 | Connected Vehicles