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Latvian Operator LMT to Validate Viability of BVLOS Drone Flights using Mobile Networks

Latvian Operator LMT to Validate Viability of BVLOS Drone Flights using Mobile Networks Image Credit: LMT

Latvian mobile operator LMT and software company Dimetor have partnered to explore the integration of drones into VLL (very low level) airspace.

This builds on earlier collaboration where the two companies succeeded in validating the viability of BVLOS drone flights using mobile networks. The current collaboration entails investigative research into the theoretical and practical possibilities of using the mobile network to drive the inclusion of UAVs into air traffic.

A critical component of the research conducted by the two pertains to addressing the challenges of communication and safety related to BVLOS (beyond the visual line of sight) flights. Ensuring real-time communication between flight operators, aviation authorities, and any 3rd parties that are involved, is critical to paving the way for autonomous flights. To address these challenges, the AirborneRF data platform by Dimetor will be used in the LMT mobile network and its advanced network measurements to ascertain the success of the experiments.

LMT and Dimetor's collaboration spans more than one year already. In 2019, they collectively implemented a live BVLOS drone flight, providing early validation to the safety and viability of drone flight beyond the visual line of sight. Building on this experience, LMT also demonstrated one of the first cross-border BVLOS drone flights worldwide.

The results of these pilot projects demonstrate that the mobile network in its current configuration is capable of hosting UAV flight – the widespread use of autonomous drones in smart city (among other) applications is within reach. But further investigation is needed to confirm that it is sufficient to do so in a safe and functional manner. 

Thomas Neubauer, GUTMA/GSMA (ACJA) Work Task lead and co-founder of Dimetor
LMT, as a founding member of ACJA and very active contributor to the global interface specification and performance requirement work, is clearly a driving force for a future of cellular-connected drone services.

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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