Swisscom and Nokia’s Drone Network: Revolutionizing Industrial Applications and Public Safety in Switzerland

Swisscom Broadcast has embarked on an innovative journey by offering Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) to enterprises and public safety organizations across Switzerland. Partnering with Nokia Drone Networks, Swisscom is deploying a nationwide drone network, marking a significant leap in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a wide range of applications. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of drones in various sectors, from emergency services to infrastructure inspection, with the potential to reshape industries and improve public safety.

Swisscom’s Drone-as-a-Service: A New Era in Automation

For over a year, Swisscom Broadcast has been providing customized drone flights as a service, and the partnership with Nokia has propelled this offering to new heights. By Autumn 2024, Swisscom plans to deploy 300 Drone-in-a-Box units across Switzerland. These units are designed to cater to a variety of needs, including emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and perimeter protection. The DaaS model is particularly attractive to enterprises that seek seamless integration, additional customer support, and maintenance services.

Nokia’s Turnkey Solution: Drone-in-a-Box

Nokia’s Drone Networks solution is a comprehensive package that includes drones equipped with dual gimbal cameras for HD and thermal imaging, a docking station, a ground control station, and the necessary software and service components. This solution supports third-party integrations, such as traffic monitoring systems, video management software, and industrial inspection tools. The ability to control a fleet of drones from a single remote operation center enhances efficiency and coordination in various operations.

Key Applications of the Drone Network

1. Emergency Services and Rescue Operations: The swift deployment of drones in emergency situations can significantly enhance response times. The real-time data gathered by drones allows emergency services to coordinate and act more effectively during the crucial first few minutes of an incident.

2. Infrastructure Inspection: Drones offer a cost-effective and safe way to inspect critical infrastructure such as power lines, bridges, and buildings. Regular drone flyovers can generate detailed images, which can be used to create digital twins or detect significant changes through AI, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing the risk of failures.

3. Perimeter Protection and Site Security: In collaboration with other companies, Swisscom will offer integrated ground and aerial drone solutions for monitoring large-scale sites. This automated surveillance system, combined with alarm sensors, aims to enhance the security of sensitive facilities and premises.

The Future of Cellular Drones

According to Analysis Mason, the market for cellular drones is expected to generate USD 8.4 billion by 2030, with connectivity service revenue accounting for USD 1.5 billion. By 2030, it is anticipated that 25 million drones will utilize cellular connectivity, providing operators with an opportunity to address various components of the drone value chain. This includes providing connectivity, developing end-to-end solutions, and creating specialized applications for drone operations.