• InsideUnmannedSystems
• Posted By

Latvia’s 5G Defense Testbed Receives New Networks from Nokia, Ericsson

Nokia and Ericsson have added their 5G networks to Europe’s first 5G defense testbed, in Latvia, making it possible to test defense systems on a variety of communication networks, according to telecommunications company LMT, which set up the test site in 2020 in cooperation with Latvia’s military.

“5G networks promise a wide range of technological data delivery opportunities, which can significantly impact many industries, including the civil and defense sectors. To make them a reality, a strong collaboration must be established between 5G network infrastructure providers, mobile operators, user equipment manufacturers, use case developers, and end clients,” Armands Meirāns, the innovation test lead at LMT, said in a statement. “We are thrilled that we are able to host all of the above in the development of Latvia’s 5G military testbed. We are equally thrilled to have the world’s leading 5G network infrastructure providers—Nokia and Ericsson—participate in our [research and development] activities.”

The site is open to NATO allies to jointly develop, test and demonstrate 5G uses for defense, and hosts 5G capabilities as well as proximity to a defense training area, air force base, military camp and coastline. NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense, the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Industrial Development Programme have tested there, including for unmanned ground vehicles, LMT said.

Adding two new standalone 5G networks is the next step in developing the functionality of the testbed, the company said, as it allows for the centralized testing of defense technology on various networks, possibly speeding their implementation to the field.

Implementing foundational 5G technology in Latvia’s world-class testbed will help fast-track military innovations by testing them in this real-world, collaborative environment,” Philippe Agard, head of Nokia’s defense business, said in the LMT statement. “We are delighted to support LMT in this initiative with our private 5G stand-alone network to advance next-generation defense applications.”

• DroneLife
• Posted By

UScellular, Ericsson Use Drone Connectivity to Test the Strength of 5G Networks

UScellular and Ericsson Deploy Drones to Test 5G

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M Crosby

Today, UScellular and Ericsson revealed that they have started using drones for 5G testing at altitude.

Continue reading below, or listen:

The first of their kind with UScellular’s 5G network, these tests will establish a foundation for other use cases of cellular-connected drones in the future.

The companies’ first visual line of sight trials were held in Beloit, Wis., with a drone flown between two of UScellular’s commercial 5G towers. The drone was equipped with a 5G smartphone and RF measurement equipment designed to capture performance metrics like signal strength and quality, upload and download speeds, and latency throughout the flights at various altitudes. Using both low and high band spectrum, data was captured with the goal of gathering and analyzing network connectivity and speed data in the air in order to compare it to the speeds experienced on the ground.

“Testing our wireless connections at altitude can set the stage for future connectivity of drones in the air, providing command and control capability along with enabling real-time image and data sharing to be easier, faster and safer,” said Narothum Saxena, vice president of technology strategy and architecture at UScellular. “We believe that our network can help drones fly in an optimal way if they have connectivity, and with Ericsson’s support, we will continue to drive innovation that can help enhance our customers’ wireless experience.”

One drone use case for UScellular and other wireless providers is the ability to inspect towers without climbing them. Though currently possible with non-connected drones, 5G connectivity will enable drones to reach areas beyond visual line of sight, with footage live streamed over UScellular’s network. This will allow for more efficient and affordable site inspections, with benefits like real-time data collection and delivery and guaranteeing the correct footage is captured, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“Drone technology offers a wide scope of new opportunities in today’s market. Our testing with UScellular is a huge step for advanced connected drones use cases that will benefit society and businesses,” said Jossie Prochilo, Vice President and Key Account Manager, UScellular Account for Ericsson North America. “Ericsson Connected Drone Testing and Ericsson Device Analytics enables service providers to move forward with proven solutions and provides UScellular with an industry-leading set of capabilities for connected drone testing to support the commercial operation of drones over 5G networks.”

A recent Arthur D Little study found that the number of drones sold worldwide is steadily rising, with overall market size increasing up to US $30 billion in the next 10 years and value of services reaching $50 billion in the next five. Long distance, beyond visual line of sight commercial drones introduce a major opportunity for industries and consumers alike. 5G connectivity enables countless crucial drone use cases, such as the rapid delivery of essential medicines, or the distribution of important supplies in areas impacted by disaster.

Read more about drones and 5G:

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.

• SUASNews
• Posted By

UScellular and Ericsson Team Up on Drone Connectivity to Test 5G Network Performance at Altitude – sUAS News – The Business of Drones

UScellular and Ericsson today announced that they have begun 5G testing at altitude using drone technology. These tests are the first of their kind with UScellular’s 5G network and lay the groundwork for future use cases of cellular-connected drones in a variety of industries.

Initial visual line of sight trials were conducted in Beloit, Wis., using a drone that was flown between two of UScellular’s commercial 5G towers. The drone was outfitted with a 5G smartphone and RF measurement equipment designed to capture performance metrics such as signal strength and quality, upload and download speeds, and latency throughout the flights at various altitudes. Data was gathered using both low and high band spectrum, and the goal of the initial trial was to gather and analyze network connectivity and speed data in the air, compare it to the speeds experienced on the ground and ultimately understand what is required for the future use and success of 5G connected drones.

“Testing our wireless connections at altitude can set the stage for future connectivity of drones in the air, providing command and control capability along with enabling real-time image and data sharing to be easier, faster and safer,” said Narothum Saxena, vice president of technology strategy and architecture at UScellular. “We believe that our network can help drones fly in an optimal way if they have connectivity, and with Ericsson’s support, we will continue to drive innovation that can help enhance our customers’ wireless experience.”

One drone use case for UScellular and other wireless providers is the ability to inspect towers without climbing them. This type of use can also extend to other industries – a farmer can inspect the top of a barn or a silo or a city worker can inspect their water towers. Tasks like this can be done now with non-connected drones, but with 5G connectivity, a drone will be able to reach areas beyond visual line of sight of a pilot and will allow footage to be livestreamed over UScellular’s network. This means site inspections become much more efficient and cost-effective, with benefits such as real-time data collection and delivery and ensuring the right footage is captured, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“Drone technology offers a wide scope of new opportunities in today’s market. Our testing with UScellular is a huge step for advanced connected drones use cases that will benefit society and businesses,” said Jossie Prochilo, Vice President and Key Account Manager, UScellular Account for Ericsson North America. “Ericsson Connected Drone Testing and Ericsson Device Analytics enables service providers to move forward with proven solutions and provides UScellular with an industry-leading set of capabilities for connected drone testing to support the commercial operation of drones over 5G networks.”

According to a recent Arthur D Little study, the number of unmanned aerial vehicles – specifically drones – sold worldwide is increasing steadily with overall market size increasing up to US $30 billion in the next 10 years with value of services reaching $50 billion in the next five. Commercial drones that can fly over long distances and beyond visual line of sight present a huge opportunity for multiple industries and consumers. Essential medicine can be delivered quickly, and important supplies can be provided to severe weather impacted areas, with the key feature in all these use cases being 5G connectivity.

About Ericsson

Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the business areas Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com