Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions at Nokia CNS
Nokia is redefining drone connectivity with its 4G and 5G-powered drone-in-a-box solution, designed for industrial and public safety applications. In this interview, Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions at Nokia CNS, sits down with UST to discuss the company’s innovations, regulatory challenges, and the future of cellular-connected drones.
Can you outline for our readers how Nokia Drone Networks stands out in the market?
Absolutely. Nokia Drone Networks is our drone-in-a-box solution is designed with three key differentiators. Firstly, it relies solely on cellular connectivity, using 4G and 5G networks. This ensures seamless, scalable communication without the constraints of local radio networks or limited-range Wi-Fi solutions. Secondly, we’ve focused on industrial-grade design and manufacturing capabilities, leveraging Nokia’s expertise to deliver a mature and robust solution. Finally, we prioritize open APIs, allowing easy integration into various ecosystems. Our goal is to simplify drone adoption for enterprises and public safety agencies without adding unnecessary complexity.
With 5G now being deployed, what advantages does it bring to connected drone operations?
5G offers multiple benefits over 4G, including greater bandwidth, faster data transfer speeds, and improved scalability. This means we can support a higher number of drones, autonomous vehicles, and other connected systems within a single network. Additionally, enhanced uplink speeds enable real-time video streaming and sensor data transmission with minimal latency. 5G is a future-proof standard that ensures long-term reliability for autonomous and connected systems.
Nokia made headlines in 2017 by winning the International Drones for Good Award in Dubai. Can you share more about that milestone and its impact on Nokia’s journey into connected drones?
Thanks for asking. That event was a turning point for us. In 2017, we participated in the International Drones for Good Award in Dubai, which challenged participants to present innovative drone solutions with a meaningful impact. We introduced the Nokia Saving Lives project, showcasing drones connected via a fully portable 4G network. We were pioneers in flying drones over a dedicated 4G cellular network, demonstrating real-time connectivity and mission-critical capabilities. Winning the competition and receiving $1 million in prize money was the ignition point that enabled us to advance the development of 4G-connected drones and refine our business model in this space.
Regulatory challenges are often a bottleneck for drone operations, particularly for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.How is Nokia addressing this issue?
Our approach is to collaborate closely with regulators, listening to their concerns and contributing to solutions that enhance safety and compliance. We actively invest in meeting the latest standards, ensuring that our technology aligns with evolving regulatory frameworks. Working hand in hand with regulatory bodies is essential for the responsible deployment of drone technology at scale.
Nokia’s move into drone technology has been impressive. What’s next for your connected drone solutions?
Our focus remains on expanding the capabilities of 5G-connected drones while enhancing automation and interoperability. We see great potential in applications across public safety, industrial inspections, and logistics. Our commitment to open APIs and scalable solutions ensures that we continue to lead the way in integrating drones into broader ecosystems, driving efficiency and safety in multiple industries.
It’s been a pleasure talking to you, and we’re all excited to see Nokia Drone Networks continue to go from strength to strength.
