Telstra is planning to leverage drones to inspect and restore vital mobile services in disaster-hit communities quickly and safely in northern Queensland this coming storm season.
With the warmer months approaching, Telstra Chief Executive Officer Andrew Penn said the new “eye in the sky” would enable Telstra’s techs to inspect local mobile base stations quickly and safely after a storm or cyclone.
“This is an example of where we can use technology to improve the customer experience, in this case during a time of need. We understand the importance of being able to tell loved ones you are ok or get your business back online after a storm.” Penn said. “Previously, we needed cherry pickers and rigging staff to traverse from base station to base station to conduct inspections; that takes precious time. Now, ground based staff using easily portable drones can inspect our mobile infrastructure much more quickly and thoroughly even when access tracks to the sites are cut."
Telstra’s Group Managing Director, Networks, Mike Wright said the drones were also being used to ensure Telstra’s mobile infrastructure was maintained all year round. “With more than 8,500 mobile network sites around Australia, delivering coverage spanning 2.4 million square kilometres, our mobile network is the largest in the country,” Wright said.
“The maintenance of our network is key to ensuring customers get the best possible service available and using drones is revolutionizing the way we inspect base stations. We have a team of specialist techs who fly 3D Robotics Solo drones up to 120 metres high, fitted with sophisticated cameras."
