New 5G rollouts, more diverse network technologies, the emergence of new business models and other market trends require telecom companies to be more agile, data-driven, and focused on increasing their operational bottom lines as well as pursuing new revenue streams. As companies across industries have discovered, the best catalyst to achieve these outcomes is digital transformation, with drones playing a crucial role.
Drones equipped with advanced cameras and sensors along with end-to-end drone data management software provide telecom companies with accurate, real-time data, enabling them to manage infrastructure more efficiently and safely. This blog explores the role of drones in telecom, the key trends driving their adoption, and how they are helping companies achieve operational excellence.
Several factors are driving telecom companies to embrace digital transformation and adopt modern technologies like drones:
The rollout of 5G networks has introduced more complex network architectures, increasing the frequency and speed of upgrades. Telecom companies need real-time visibility into the quality of their network assets to ensure smooth operations and effective network management.
Telecom leaders are seeking new revenue streams, such as leasing available space on existing tower assets. To make these business models work, companies must have a continuous view of asset quality and availability.
With increasing pressure to improve efficiency, telecom companies are focusing on optimizing operations and maintenance workflows. Digitizing maintenance records and having real-time site data can lead to significant cost and time savings.
Traditional data collection methods at tower sites often involve risks, manual workflows, and a need for skilled personnel, who are in short supply. Drones help overcome these challenges by automating inspections and reducing the need for manual labor.
Drones have become indispensable tools for telecom companies, offering a range of benefits that enhance operations, safety, and data collection. Here are some of the primary advantages of using drones for telecom tower management:
Drones can autonomously survey telecom towers within minutes, capturing high-resolution images and data. These drones can be equipped with sensors to create a digital twin of the site, providing real-time data on tower conditions.
Drones offer complete 360-degree image coverage of towers, ensuring that every angle is captured for accurate analysis. This comprehensive visibility is crucial for maintenance planning, ensuring that no potential issue goes unnoticed.
Telecom towers are often located in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Drones can easily access these sites, conducting inspections that would otherwise require heavy equipment or significant travel time. This ease of access reduces the operational burden on telecom companies.
By replacing traditional inspection methods, which often require workers to climb towers, drones enhance staff safety. Inspections are carried out from the ground, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Telecom companies can leverage drones to assess the condition of available tower space for lease, maximizing the use of their infrastructure. Drones provide precise measurements and data on space availability, which is essential for supporting new business models, such as renting out tower space to third parties.
Manual inspections are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Drones reduce the need for these inspections, resulting in significant cost and time savings. Additionally, the real-time data collected by drones accelerates decision-making, reducing project timelines.
The data collected by drones can be processed in real-time, allowing telecom companies to create a digital twin of their infrastructure. This virtual model provides a comprehensive, real-time view of tower conditions, enabling companies to make timely, data-driven decisions. Whether it’s upgrading a tower or addressing maintenance issues, having accurate digital twin data at your fingertips is essential for operational efficiency and proactive management.
A crucial element in leveraging drones for telecom operations is the ability to manage, process, and analyze the data they capture. Asteria Aerospace’s SkyDeck platform simplifies this process by offering an integrated solution for drone data management. SkyDeck’s cloud-based platform allows telecom companies to automate mission planning, process high-resolution imagery, and generate actionable insights in real-time.
Additionally, SkyDeck enables the creation of highly accurate digital twins of telecom towers, providing a virtual model that reflects real-time conditions of the infrastructure. This digital twin allows for detailed assessments, remote inspections, and predictive maintenance, making asset management more efficient and reliable. By using SkyDeck, telecom companies can optimize drone operations, enabling faster decision-making and improved asset management.
Drones have become essential tools for telecom companies, enabling them to increase operational efficiency, improve safety, and enhance decision-making. With real-time data collection, technology provides telecom companies with a detailed, accurate view of their infrastructure, enabling digital transformation and the creation of digital twins for better asset management.
Also Read: Drone Technology: Bringing Tangible Benefits to the Telecom Sector
