DoT mulls using drones, balloons for 5G connectivity in emergencies
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is considering using drones and tethered balloons for restoring 5G connectivity during emergencies and natural calamities when normal telecom services get severely disrupted, said an official aware of the details.
DoT is likely to hold trials in the coming months to check the efficacy of this initiative, the official told ET. The department aims to complete the trials and take a final decision by June next year.
«There is a plan to provide a temporary 5G network using tethered balloons or drones to provide mobile coverage during emergencies and disasters,» the official said.
Such a mechanism, he said, would be used to offer 5G connectivity during natural disasters or other emergencies like accidents at remote locations.
The government believes that using drones and balloons for telecom connectivity is a much more convenient option during disasters as compared to setting up new mobile sites.
Industry executives say in such a scenario, telcos can utilise their existing spectrum for offering connectivity and power supply requirements can be met through backup or solar technologies.
DoT's disaster management unit is tasked with ensuring telecom connectivity during and after disasters. Besides taking care of connectivity needs, the department also alerts users with early warning messages and automated priority call routing during disasters.
In any disaster scenario, DoT coordinates with all stakeholders including telecom operators for speedy restoration of connectivity either
