Nokia and Swisscom Partner to Deploy Nationwide Drone Network

Nokia has partnered with Swiss telecom provider Swisscom to launch a drone network across Switzerland. The collaboration announced on Thursday in a joint statement, aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and enable remote infrastructure inspections.

Deployment of 300 Drones for DaaS:

Under this partnership, Nokia will supply 300 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that Swisscom will operate via a drones-as-a-service (DaaS) model. This business model allows clients, such as public safety agencies and infrastructure companies, to utilize drones on demand without the need to purchase or manage the vehicles themselves.

Supporting Swiss Public Safety Agencies:

Swiss public safety agencies, including police and firefighters, will benefit from the ability to request drone flights through Swisscom Broadcast. These drones will provide valuable data to aid in emergency response efforts, such as assessing dangerous situations without risking human lives.

The drones will also remotely inspect critical infrastructure, including power lines, solar panels, and oil and gas facilities. This technology offers a safer and more efficient alternative to sending personnel into potentially hazardous environments.

Compliance with Safety and Privacy Regulations:

Acknowledging concerns over surveillance, noise, and safety, Nokia and Swisscom emphasized their commitment to working closely with aviation and spectrum regulators to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, such as data protection regulations. Measures will be in place to prevent drones from capturing video in sensitive areas, such as beaches or swimming holes, by defining no-fly zones.

Broader Implications for Drone Use:

While drones have traditionally been associated with military applications, their use expands into other sectors, including goods delivery, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. However, public concerns about privacy and safety continue to prompt the introduction of more stringent regulations on drone operations.

This partnership between Nokia and Swisscom represents a significant step forward in the practical deployment of drone technology for public safety and infrastructure management in Switzerland.