Nokia and du launch first telecom drones in the UAE

Nokia Networks and du, the Dubai-based telecom provider, have become the first enterprises in the United Arab Emirates to use drones for network planning and optimization, Nokia said Tuesday.

The specially designed drones are making a splash in the telecom industry with their capabilities to perform high-quality site audits with detailed telecom towers views to help supervise the quality of installation remotely.

The telcom drones can also be equipped to test network strength and perform analysis to optimize networks for faster service before and during large events.

Nokia and du tested du’s live network at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai Sports City. The drone gathered network data and diagnosed key performance indicators. The test also conducted tower inspections and checked the lines of sight between radio towers.

"Innovation is the lifeblood of the UAE's smart city future, and we are proud to successfully demonstrate our network capabilities,” du Vice President for Mobile Network Access Marwan BinShakar said. “Together with Nokia Networks, we are satisfied with the results from the use of drones for network planning and faster optimization.”

The drones may also function to lower safety risks for telecom workers. They will serve to reduce the need for technicians to climb up and down towers, which could be especially beneficial when weather conditions make climbing too dangerous.