Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 17 hrs ago
Ericsson plans mobile-network trials to detect and track drones
Ericsson is developing a way to detect and track drones using mobile networks instead of relying only on dedicated surveillance equipment.
Its system, called Integrated Sensing and Communication, analyses radio signals that bounce off objects and uses readings from multiple cellular sites to estimate a drone’s position and movement.
AT&T tested the technology near Arlington, Texas, and Finland’s Erillisverkot also ran trials; Ericsson says both tests detected and tracked multiple drones.
The idea could help authorities monitor low-flying aircraft, including unauthorised drones that raise safety concerns near airports and security concerns near military sites.
Ericsson says cellular infrastructure could add coverage without building entirely separate monitoring networks, though the system needs specialised radio equipment, computing resources and software.
The technology is intended to complement, not replace, radar, and its performance in different conditions still needs to be assessed.
Ericsson plans limited commercial trials in 2027 and expects to expand availability to more customers during 2028.
Ericsson is developing a system that uses mobile networks to detect and track drones.
Its Integrated Sensing and Communication system analyzes radio signals reflected off flying objects.
Ericsson plans limited commercial trials in 2027 and wider availability to additional customers during 2028.
AT&T and Finland’s Erillisverkot have tested the technology, and Ericsson says both trials identified and tracked multiple drones.
The system requires specialized radio equipment, computing resources and software, and is intended to complement existing surveillance equipment.
- Who
- Ericsson is developing the technology. AT&T and Finland’s Erillisverkot have tested it.
- What
- A mobile-network system that uses reflected radio signals to detect and track drones.
- When
- Ericsson plans limited commercial trials in 2027, with availability to additional customers during 2028.
- Where
- Tests took place around Arlington, Texas, and in Finland.
- Why
- To provide additional surveillance for detecting drones, including those flying close to the ground.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
AT&T around Arlington, Texas, and Finland’s Erillisverkot tested the technology; Ericsson says both exercises identified and tracked multiple drones.
Ericsson plans to begin limited commercial trials.
Ericsson plans to expand availability to additional customers.
- System
- Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
- Test location
- Around Arlington, Texas
- Other testing organization
- Erillisverkot, Finland
- Limited commercial trials
- Planned for 2027
- Expanded availability
- Planned during 2028
What people are saying
Mobile networks are useful as drone detection solutions because their antennas are already covering low elevations, close to ground level where drones often fly, unlike traditional radar.
The new spectrum that should arrive with 6G will also make it easier to deploy sensing on wide channels, which further improves detection accuracy.