The Finnish technology giant Nokia has partnered with Swisscom to roll out an advanced drone network across Switzerland, with the primary goal of enhancing emergency response capabilities and streamlining infrastructure inspections. This collaboration will involve Nokia supplying 300 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which will be integrated into a drones-as-a-service (DaaS) platform operated by Swisscom. This innovative service will allow public safety agencies and other clients to access drone technology on demand, without the burden of owning or maintaining the drones themselves.
Swiss public safety organizations, including police and fire departments, will benefit significantly from this network. They will be able to request drone flights via Swisscom Broadcast, enabling them to collect vital data in real-time during emergencies. This capability is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses, providing crucial insights that can guide decision-making in critical situations.
Additionally, the drone network will play a crucial role in the remote inspection of critical infrastructure, such as power lines, solar panels, and oil and gas facilities. By utilizing drones for these inspections, companies can reduce the need to send personnel into potentially dangerous environments, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational risks. Thomas Eder, Nokia’s head of embedded wireless, highlighted the importance of this technology in improving both safety and efficiency in infrastructure management.
As the use of drones expands beyond military applications into sectors such as delivery services and agriculture, concerns surrounding privacy, noise, and safety have emerged. In response, Nokia and Swisscom have committed to working closely with aviation and spectrum regulators to ensure that the deployment of this drone network complies with all relevant data protection laws. This includes the implementation of no-fly zones over sensitive areas like beaches and swimming pools to safeguard public privacy.
Nokia’s foray into drone technology is part of the company’s broader strategy to innovate and diversify its offerings. This move follows other recent initiatives, such as the introduction of immersive technology for phone calls and the sale of its submarine networks to the French state for $374 million. The global market for industrial drones is currently valued between $32 billion and $35 billion, underscoring the growing significance of this technology across various industries.
