e& is set to introduce 5G-enabled drones in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council, aiming to enhance the nation’s drone traffic management. Dubbed “UAE drones” by the operator, the uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with threat detection, prevention and response systems. In addition, Proximus has teamed up with airspace security start-up Senhive and SkeyDrone to detect unauthorised use of drones near critical sites, such as airports, data centres, prisons and sports stadia.
GSMA Intelligence research shows that while 85% of operators recognise the potential of drones, more than half are uncertain about the scale of the opportunity and how to shape their strategies. Recent developments indicate operators are addressing these issues by forming public–private partnerships and collaborating with UAV specialists to establish channels to market and unlock new revenue streams. In such partnerships, operators can assume various roles, ranging from basic network support for UAV missions to providing comprehensive, end-to-end UAV services. Early commercial interest in these services will likely derive from use cases such as energy-grid inspections, oil and gas infrastructure checks, port operations and logistics.