The Nokia Drone Networks solution has received certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), making it the first fully certified 4G/5G drone-in-a-box solution by the agency. This achievement is a significant milestone, as it offers a reliable and industrial-grade 4G/5G drone solution for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in the United States. Nokia plans to utilize its recent partnerships for private LTE and 5G solutions to expedite its entry into the market.
Nokia's Drone Networks solution places a strong emphasis on robust and resilient connectivity, crucial for remote drone operations, real-time data streaming during missions, and BVLOS operations across various 3GPP spectrum bands. The solution incorporates features like network redundancy, multi-operator support, and hot failover for enhanced operational reliability.
Nokia and Rohde & Schwarz initially collaborated in 2022 to integrate Rohde & Schwarz QualiPoc 4.9G/LTE and 5G network measurement capabilities into the Nokia Drone Networks platform, expanding its use cases for customers. This collaboration extended to device testing and certification, with Rohde & Schwarz's R&S CMX500 radio communication tester being employed for rigorous testing at Nokia Bell Labs Global Product and Compliance Laboratory. The R&S CMX500's comprehensive toolset and user-friendly interface played a pivotal role in conducting thorough signaling protocol tests.
Olaf Heisch, Director Target Accounts Mobile Network Testing at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “This achievement underscores the transformative capabilities of our Radio Communication Tester R&S CMX500. Its role in securing FCC certification for Nokia Drone Networks is a testament to its pivotal position in driving innovation in the 5G and drone technology landscape. This collaboration highlights the power of cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships in shaping the future of the industry.”
Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions, Nokia, said: “This achievement highlights the vital role that collaboration and diligent testing play in the 5G era. By meeting the FCC’s rigorous standards, we are shaping the path in the U.S. for industrial and public sector use cases, improved 5G spectrum monetization, and the nationwide roll-out of drones for BVLOS operations on 3GPP spectrum. With more than 675 private wireless customers worldwide and leadership in building nationwide wireless networks, Nokia is well positioned to expand its market leadership into the U.S. with a certified industrial grade drone-in-a-box solution.”
