Using drones takes out the risk associated with human inspection of cell phone towers
Carrier T-Mobile Netherlands will use Aerialtronics unmanned aerial systems, more commonly known as drones, to inspect some 5,000 antennas in the Netherlands.
T-Mobile Netherlands even has its own pilot who will remotely operate the drones. A camera mounted on the vehicle will provide a unique view of network infrastructure without the cost and potential risk involved with human inspections. The drone is also outfitted with heat sensors and transmitters that provide a real-time data stream to operators.
T-Mobile Netherlands Network Specialist Jeffrey Leentjes commented on a test drone inspection at the FC Utrecht stadium.
“Normally it would take a week of using a cherry picker to get the right photos of the special stadium antennas and antenna masts and perform the checks. Now the drone can fly around the station and mast in just 15 minutes and we’ve got the right images for our inspection.”
T-Mobile Netherlands still has to get approval from authorities prior to every flight, but is working with European aviation regulators on streamlining that process.
Aerialtronics CEO Jeremy Wigmore said, “We look forward to building a strong relationship with T-Mobile in the future.”
T-Mobile Netherlands, a subsidiary of German communications service provider Deutsche Telekom, has about 4 million subscribers and operates under that brand as well as the brand BEN.
Although a novel idea, there are other companies working in the drone tower inspection area.
Micro Aerial Projects, for instance, provides a number of drone-based services including cell tower inspection.
From the company’s website: “Safety and access are of the utmost concern in the process,” of inspecting cell towers. “Using small, easily maneuverable UAVs, which can see virtually any angle of the infrastructure can be a cost-effective, quick, efficient and safe means of assessing the condition and orientation of all components of the tower.”
