In Puerto Rico, we’ve deployed our helicopter Flying COW (Cell on Wings) for the first time ever.
As we work to permanently restore our network, this experimental technology is providing data, voice, and text services to customers. This is the first time an LTE cell site on a drone has been successfully deployed to connect residents after a disaster.
The Flying COW is providing wireless connectivity to customers in an up to 40-square mile-area. It flies 200 feet above the ground and can extend coverage farther than other temporary cell sites. Ideal for providing coverage in remote areas.
LTE-connected drones hold a lot of potential for FirstNet-subscribers. Exploring the capabilities of this technology in wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastation will help temporarily restore connectivity and assess how first responders can use the drone in the future.
An unprecedented event such as Hurricane Maria has required we look to innovative solutions to connect customers, first responders, and disaster recovery teams. From our involvement with Vanu, to our unique use of portable cell sites at the base of clusters of cell towers, testing the Flying COW is just one way we’re using technology in new ways.
Currently deployed in the San Juan area, we plan to relocate our Flying COW in the coming days to support additional areas, including the military hospital at Manati Coliseum.
Teams are working around the clock to restore our network and deploy additional assets in impacted areas in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, nearly 70% of the population in Puerto Rico and nearly 95% of the population in the U.S. Virgin Islands are connected again.
Source: Press Releas
We have a penguin c (s)UAS, this is an extended range UAS that can stay in air for at least 15 hours with a payload.
If you feel this can help AT&T with extending the cell service range for any disaster areas, please feel free to contact me at 803-534-1040.
Thanks Brett, good to know but you should really contact AT&T I think…
Tethered uav or Aerostats would be much more useful for this purpose.
This is obviously a tethered UAV.
I agree. Not sure what the criteria was for choosing a mini-helicopter over a balloon.
[OK, OK, rotary-wing UAV vs a non-wing positive-atmospheric-buoyancy UAV.]
The UAV they chose appeared to be tethered. Not sure if that was for the signal or if they piggy-backed power also.
Either way, cool use of tech to help get people back on their feet.
Looks like they ARE thinking of using balloons, but the deployment looks to be a bit more complicated. I am thinking perhaps this was a quicker solution to get it going. Again, don’t know anything about it and just extrapolating. Have a great weekend.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/09/project-loon-delivers-internet-100-000-people-puerto-rico/