Nokia and Swisscom are set to deploy a drone service network across Switzerland to enhance emergency responses and infrastructure inspections, as announced in a joint statement on Thursday. Nokia, the Finnish telecom equipment manufacturer, will supply 300 unmanned aerial vehicles, which Swisscom will operate through a drones-as-a-service (DaaS) network. This model allows clients to utilize drones on demand without purchasing or managing them.
Swiss public safety agencies, including police and firefighters, will be able to request drone flights from Swisscom Broadcast and access the data collected. The technology will also facilitate remote inspections of power lines, solar panels, and oil and gas infrastructure, according to Thomas Eder, Nokia’s head of embedded wireless. “Wherever you don’t need to send a person because it might be hazardous, you can start by sending or ordering a drone,” Eder stated.
Drones, traditionally associated with military applications, are increasingly being utilized for goods delivery, infrastructure inspection, and farming. However, concerns about surveillance, noise, and safety persist, despite the implementation of stricter regulations. Nokia and Swisscom have pledged to collaborate with aviation and spectrum regulators and adhere to data protection laws. “If there is a beach or swimming hall where video captures should be avoided, then no-fly zones can be defined,” Eder explained.
Featured Image courtesy of The Star
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