Dec 19, 2016
Vodafone eyes role in traffic control for drones
Vodafone is looking to move into the lucrative business of managing drone traffic, after meeting European aviation safety authorities about adapting its network to track and identify unmanned aircraft. Sesar, the European project to overhaul the region's air traffic management, estimates there could be more than 400,000 commercial and government drones flying in its airspace by 2035, many at low levels and over densely populated areas. Its technology is focused on making drones safe for use alongside mobile networks and systems used for manned aircraft, while also securing drones against cyber attacks. The company has its eyes on the bigger prize of the commercial market, where companies such as Amazon are considering drones for deliveries and other services. Robert MacDougall, head of Vodafone's enterprise public policy unit, said: "Licensed mobile technology can offer a safe, secure and practical option for the air traffic control of drone flights, especially around locations such as airports and prisons."
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