Drones and balloons will deliver 4G phone signal in hard-to-reach areas
When disaster hits, connectivity is crucial and without a mobile network it can slow any attempts at vital rescue operations. There is a solution though, as EE has just unveiled its new range of Air Masts.
These flying mobile masts can be sent into areas which are experiencing issues – such as a flood-hit town – and quickly provide a 4G mobile network to aid emergency services and members of the public.
They support 999 calls for everyone, no matter which mobile network you’re on – so if you’re in a flooded area and on O2 (for example) you’ll still be able to utilise EE’s solution to ring the emergency services.
EE’s 4G drones are able to access the most challenging of geographies, flying to areas where vehicles simply can’t go and providing an almost instant connection.
Once in place the drone takes around 15 minutes to set up, and once operational it can provide around an hour of network coverage.
That’s not a huge amount of time, but handy for rapid response events which need an instant connection.
You’re not going to see these drones floating around just yet though, with EE expecting them to take to the skies in around three years.
EE is also looking at personal solutions with the drones, with the potential of a drone following you on a mountain climb or remote activity to ensure you always have signal.
