Deutsche Telekom has deployed a drone to provide mobile network coverage for the first time on a live commercial network. During the Jizerska 50 ski race in the Czech Republic, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated at an altitude of 2.3 kilometres, delivering connectivity to an otherwise uncovered six-kilometre stretch of the racecourse. “This makes Deutsche Telekom the first-ever carrier in Europe to deploy this type of flying base station,” the operator said on 21st Feb.
Solution for Mobile Network
Deutsche Telekom has partnered with Primoco UAV SE to develop and test a drone-based mobile coverage solution, which successfully provided continuous connectivity for four hours under favorable weather conditions. During the trial at the Jizerská 50 event, participants and visitors experienced download speeds of up to 95 Mbps and uploads of 34 Mbps, ensuring seamless communication in the remote, protected landscape.
Highlighting the significance of the deployment, Deutsche Telekom stated that the Jizera Mountains, a nature reserve frequently used for sporting events, presented an ideal scenario for testing the innovative flying antenna system. Without disrupting the protected area, T-Mobile Czech Republic ensured uninterrupted connectivity for 4,460 participants in the 50-kilometer main race, reaching high-speed mobile performance throughout the event.
— Primoco UAV (@PrimocoUAV) February 21, 2025
Expanding Mobile Coverage with Aerial Connectivity
The flying base station, developed by Deutsche Telekom’s Czech Republic innovation team, is designed for deployment in areas where traditional infrastructure is impractical. The operator envisions its application not only for large-scale sporting and cultural events but also for emergency situations like floods, earthquakes, or wildfires.
“In inaccessible terrain or crisis scenarios, a flying antenna drone delivers resilient connectivity wherever needed, complementing Deutsche Telekom’s extensive mobile coverage solutions,” stated a Board Member for Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom.
Primoco One 150: The Flying Base Station
The Primoco One 150 drone, integral to the solution, features an onboard mobile base station that connects to terrestrial networks or satellites. It can deliver download speeds of up to 200 Mbps and upload speeds of 75 Mbps, supporting up to 1,200 users. With a length of 3.65 meters and a wingspan of 4.85 meters, the drone provides a flexible and efficient alternative to conventional mobile towers.
Deutsche Telekom emphasized its diverse range of temporary coverage solutions, including mobile towers on wheels and the “Cell-Tower-to-Go.” The newly tested drone-based system expands this portfolio, offering a next-generation approach to providing mobile connectivity in challenging environments. The flying base station will be showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from March 3-6, 2025.
