Scalper1 News
AT&T ( T ) and Intel aren’t waiting for next-generation 5G wireless to make unmanned aerial vehicles — drones — more communications-capable. While drones currently have short-range wireless connectivity, AT&T and Intel ( INTC ) say they’re working on 4G applications beyond line-of-sight — pending approval by the Federal Aviation Administration. Most drones use short-range signals such as Wi-Fi, bluetooth or radio airwaves. Some analysts have viewed high-altitude civilian drones as requiring 5G wireless, which is still in development . But AT&T says its 4G LTE network is ready to do the job for improved video streaming and telematics. “We’re using (our LTE network) to transfer important information, images and video quickly and efficiently — far beyond the boundaries of short-range connectivity,” Chris Penrose, AT&T senior vice president, IoT Solutions, said in a press release Monday. Commercial drone usage in agriculture, industrial inspection and public safety is expected to be a booming market, though safety concerns involving manned aircraft could delay growth. AT&T’s Silicon Valley technology center in Palo Alto, Calif., will be working with Intel on drone technology at higher altitudes, the companies said. AT&T and Intel also strutted out a Yuneec Typhoon drone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, a big wireless trade show that got underway Monday. Scalper1 News
Scalper1 News