The uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry is rapidly expanding, offering substantial growth opportunities for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). UAS are being utilized across sectors such as logistics, infrastructure inspection, and public safety. As UAS operations increasingly rely on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities, MNOs are uniquely positioned to provide critical infrastructure and services.
A recent report published by the Global UTM Association (GUTMA) reveals a clear demand from drone operators for a “reliable, robust air and ground connectivity” considered “essential for command and control (C2), real-time data streaming, and adherence to regulatory frameworks like UTM and NetRID.” For the first time in this industry, the aviation community is asking for a strategic alignment and greater collaboration between MNOs and drone operators. Furthermore, the report proposes a cross-function/value matrix to ensure both industries work together to meet operational needs and promote innovation. The report “underscores the importance of increasing mobile network utilization by drone operators and fosters cross-industry collaboration to address key challenges”
Confronted with a clear need from the aviation community and the subsequent call for collaboration, the MNOs have several options on how to respond. We have identified four strategic pathways that MNOs can pursue, ranging from minimal engagement to delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions.
1. Doing Nothing: A Missed Opportunity
Choosing not to engage with the UAS market would mean forgoing a rapidly growing opportunity. Drone services are expanding across numerous industries, from logistics to public safety. MNOs are recognized as key enablers for scaling these operations due to the need for reliable network services. Failing to act could leave MNOs sidelined as drones increasingly play a central role in commercial and industrial operations.
2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
A straightforward entry point for MNOs is by offering essential connectivity services, such as providing SIM cards and reliable data communication for UAS operations, including command and control (C2) communications and support for other critical functionalities like real-time video streaming. Also, this offering provides additional information services such as airspace connectivity information, ground risk and people density, as well as satellite independent position data.
A prime example of an IaaS offering is that provided by KPN Drone Connect. The Dutch MNO seamlessly integrates drones into its network with a KPN IoT SIM card. Once connected, drone operators benefit from KPN connectivity as well as from a series of value-added services specific to their use cases.
https://www.kpn.com/zakelijk/internet-of-things/drones
3. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
In addition to providing infrastructure as a service, MNOs can elevate their offerings by integrating solutions that support end-to-end UAS operations. This includes real-time data processing, application services, project and workflow management solutions, flight control and sensor data post-processing, which can all be delivered as a Platform-as-a-Service to clients. Some MNOs are also considering flight management and UTM platforms and services as part of their PaaS offering.
It is also important to note that MNOs are typically starting with IaaS, moving up in the value chain to PaaS, as soon as they gain more confidence in the market.
Vodafone’s DroNet HUB, developed in collaboration with FlyNex (https://www.flynex.io/), demonstrates this model effectively. By combining DroNet’s connectivity with a comprehensive platform, DroNet HUB supports full mission planning and execution, from route optimization to network coverage analysis. This enables drone operators to manage complex operations efficiently, making MNOs valuable partners in the UAS ecosystem.
4. End-to-End (E2E) Solutions
A more comprehensive role for MNOs involves offering End-to-End (E2E) solutions that encompass every aspect of the UAS ecosystem, from connectivity and platforms to airspace integration and regulatory compliance, as well as the actual operation of the drones. This enables end customers to benefit from automated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone services in an end-to-end manner, from a single go-to-partner, by just using the offered service.
Swisscom’s Drone Network exemplifies how MNOs can provide full-service solutions, handling connectivity, risk management, and regulatory approvals in real-time. This positions MNOs as essential players in deploying scalable UAS operations across various industries, especially those requiring BVLOS capabilities.
AirborneRF: A Key Enabler for MNO Services in the Drone Industry
MNOs have a broad range of capabilities that can be specifically tailored to meet the unique demands of UAS operations. These capabilities go beyond basic connectivity, offering enhanced services that ensure safe and scalable drone operations.
AirborneRF plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between telecommunications and aviation. By integrating dynamic data from mobile networks, AirborneRF provides essential insights for BVLOS drone operations, ensuring they are safe and reliable.
Through AirborneRF, MNOs can offer real-time connectivity insights, ground risk assessments, and flight route optimization services to UAS operators. This not only enhances operational safety and efficiency but also creates new revenue opportunities for MNOs by providing value-added services such as dynamic ground risk assessments and real-time network alerts.
AirborneRF’s Key Contributions to MNO Services:
- Connectivity Insights: By providing real-time network quality information along flight paths, AirborneRF ensures UAS operators maintain consistent communications throughout BVLOS missions.
- Ground Risk Assessments: AirborneRF delivers critical data on population density and ground risks, allowing operators to adjust routes and comply with regulatory requirements.
- Real-Time Alerts: Integrated with UTM systems, AirborneRF delivers real-time network updates, ensuring any potential disruptions are managed to keep operations safe.
- GNSS independent, Alternative Position: AirborneRF delivers real-time information about the UAV position in the airspace, independent from GNSS systems, providing another redundancy layer for assuring safety and revenue opportunities.
Conclusion: Leveraging AirborneRF to Unlock UAS Potential
The conclusion of the GUTMA newly published report is that the growing demand from drone operators, especially for reliable air and ground connectivity, presents a significant revenue opportunity for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). With the expansion of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in sectors like logistics, infrastructure inspection, and public safety, MNOs are in a prime position to provide critical infrastructure for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The aviation industry, for the first time, is calling for stronger collaboration between MNOs and drone operators to address operational needs, such as command and control (C2), real-time data streaming, and regulatory compliance.
In response to this demand, MNOs can choose from various strategic pathways, ranging from limited involvement to offering comprehensive solutions. However, MNOs are uniquely positioned to unlock substantial revenue opportunities in the growing UAS market by providing basic connectivity, platform services, or full end-to-end solutions. AirborneRF is a critical enabler, helping MNOs transform their infrastructure into a key driver of safe, scalable, and profitable UAS operations.
By integrating AirborneRF’s capabilities, MNOs can seamlessly connect their services to the UAS industry, offering comprehensive solutions that meet the operational needs of UAS operators while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. In doing so, MNOs can solidify their role as vital contributors to the future of uncrewed aviation.