Nokia And Swisscom Present Drone Services Throughout Switzerland

JAKARTA - Nokia has announced a partnership with Swisscom to launch drone networks across Switzerland to increase emergency responses and infrastructure inspections. This is known according to a joint statement released on Thursday, August 8.

This Finnish telecommunications company will supply 300 unmanned vehicles that will be operated by Swisscom through a drone-as-a-service (DaaS) network across the country. The Business Model OfTENS allows clients to use drones on demand without having to buy or operate on their own.

Swiss public safety agencies such as police or firefighters will be able to request drone flights from Swisscom Broadcast and access the data collected. "This technology will also allow remote inspections of power lines, solar panels, or oil and gas infrastructure," said Thomas Eder, Nokia's Head of Wireless Integrated, quoted by VOI from Reuters.

"Wherever you don't have to send people because it might be dangerous, you can start by sending or ordering drones," said Eder.

In addition to military applications, drones are increasingly being tested in the fields of freight forwarding, infrastructure or agricultural inspections. However, there are still concerns about surveillance, noise and safety, although new laws have been introduced to regulate drone use.

Nokia and Swisscom said they would cooperate with aviation and spectral regulators and comply with data protection laws. "If there is a beach or swimming pool where video taking should be avoided, then a no-fly zone can be set," added Eder.

According to Eder, the global industrial drone market is currently worth between 32 billion and 35 billion US dollars.