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

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

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

DJI halts drone business in Russia and Ukraine

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is halting its business in Russia and Ukraine following reports its products are being repurposed for military use.

Last week, the company issued a statement to reiterate that it does not market, sell, or design its products for military use, has refused to customise or enable modifications for this purpose, and is “unequivocally opposed attempts to attach weapons” to its products.

In the statement, DJI added:

“DJI is...

27 April 2022 | Drones

Vodafone and Ericsson are creating safe flight paths for drones

Vodafone and Ericsson are creating “sky corridors” which enable drones to travel safely and quickly.

Today’s drones are predominately used for photography, videography, and just recreational purposes. However, drones will increasingly be used for critical applications such as delivering vital medical supplies and organs.

Erik Ekudden, Senior Vice President, CTO and Head of Group Function Technology at Ericsson, said:

“Drones are immensely powerful tools...

25 November 2020 | 5G