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AT&T's 'Flying COW' LTE-connected Drones Provide Emergency Cellular Service in Puerto Rico

AT&T's 'Flying COW' LTE-connected Drones Provide Emergency Cellular Service in Puerto Rico Image Credit: AT&T

AT&T said it has deployed for the first time an LTE cell site on a drone to connect residents after a disaster in Puerto Rico, as it works to permanently restore its network. 

Dubbed as helicopter Flying COW (Cell on Wings), the machine provides wireless connectivity to customers in an up to 40-square mile-area. It flies 200 feet above the ground and can extend coverage farther than other temporary cell sites - ideal for providing coverage in remote areas.

According to AT&T, LTE-connected drones hold a lot of potential for FirstNet-subscribers. Exploring the capabilities of this technology in wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastation will help temporarily restore connectivity and assess how first responders can use the drone in the future.  

Currently deployed in the San Juan area, AT&T plans to relocate our Flying COW in the coming days to support additional areas, including the military hospital at Manati Coliseum. 

AT&T said their teams are working around the clock to restore our network and deploy additional assets in impacted areas in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, nearly 70% of the population in Puerto Rico and nearly 95% of the population in the U.S. Virgin Islands are connected again.

To further support the disaster relief effort in Puerto Rico, the US FCC has approved Google’s parent company Alphabet’s application to provide similar solution through balloons.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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