SingTel Optus Pty Ltd.

09/02/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/01/2025 22:42

Optus and Nokia explore new drone network solutions for disaster response to reconnect customers faster

Optus and Nokia are joining forces to explore new drone technologies to help restore mobile connectivity for customers in the aftermath of natural disasters.

During the recent ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, consumers were faced with mobile network outages due to power loss and flooding, highlighting a need for more agile options to maintain coverage during emergencies.

In response, Optus and Nokia have been working closely together on connectivity solutions.

Nokia's compact small cell solution is lightweight, easy to deploy and can be placed on a tripod or mounted on a pole. It connects via LEO satellite connectivity to the core network, allowing it to work independently without relying on a nearby mobile tower.

The tech enables rapid restoration of voice and data services in disaster-affected areas.

To further enhance disaster connectivity options, Optus and Nokia have jointly developed a telecommunications payload solution deployed using the EON800 Tether Drone System, engineered and manufactured by Melbourne-based UAV technology company, XM2.

The solution aims to deliver 4G/5G coverage with voice and SMS services across about a 2km radius for multiple handsets with networks speeds that could reach up to 100mb/s for data connectivity.

Crucially, this means in the event of a natural disaster, customers can reconnect with their family, friends and other loved ones faster, as well as check in on weather conditions, banking services or contact emergency services.

The EON800 Tether Drone System delivers 4,500 W of continuous power and high-speed fibre connectivity to a heavy-lift drone platform, supporting payloads up to 15 kg and sustained operations at altitudes of up to 120 metres for durations of up to seven days.

When integrated with the Optus and Nokia payload solution, the EON800 functions as a portable telecommunications tower, rapidly restoring coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or inaccessible.

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The Tether Drone System can be run on a 24-hour basis without the need for re-charging as its powered from the ground station, which makes it ideal with emergency response, temporary accommodation areas and recovery operations in remote areas without any network coverage.

Both solutions have been tested at Macquarie University, including a live demonstration of an ultraportable small cell and a tethered drone network solution.

At the showcase, Optus demonstrated live 5G coverage using a Nokia AirScale Micro-RRH small cell mounted on the drone, equipped with a 4x4 MIMO omni-directional antenna.

The small cell radio was connected to the AirScale Tuuli 6 compact, Nokia's fully outdoor baseband, which is integrated with a Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) private wireless solution located on the ground alongside the tether ground station.

This setup enabled a 5G standalone private wireless network in the coverage area, supporting critical communications via the Nokia Teams Comm application deployed on Nokia's Mission Critical Industrial Edge (MXIE), part of the DAC private wireless solutions.

In addition, a Nokia 360 5G camera on the drone coupled with the leading Nokia Real-time eXtended Reality Multimedia (RXRM) software solution provided bandwidth efficient and low latency live video streaming to a TV screen, tablet, and VR headset. RXRM software was running on MXIE.

The testing highlights how this solution can support the critical communication and situational awareness needs of emergency services and first responders - enabling them to coordinate effectively and assess disaster-affected areas in real time.

A drone flying above a field
Tony Baird, Optus Chief Technology Officer, Networks said there was strong potential for these technologies to play a role in improving preparedness and response during future natural disasters.

"The solution I'm seeing today with the tethered drone, with the tripod mounted small cell gives me confidence that we are seeing some more innovation we can use in our network."

Based on the success of the demonstration, Optus is investigating the integration of these solutions into its operational disaster response toolkit.

Jae Won, SVP, Head of APAC, Mobile Networks, at Nokia said: "With natural disasters unfortunately occurring more frequently, we have an obligation as technology companies to help prepare for and mitigate the impact. Connectivity is absolutely critical in these situations. The drone-based setup using private wireless, we demonstrated with Optus can restore connectivity quickly, helping blue light organizations act fast and save lives."

Stephen Oh, CEO of XM2 said: "XM2 are proud to see the EON800 Tether Drone System playing an expanding role in disaster response across Australia and globally. Since its development began in 2021, the technology has continually advanced, enabling companies like Optus and Nokia to leverage it for delivering rapid, reliable connectivity during emergencies. This highlights the real-world impact of the system in helping communities stay connected when it matters most and ultimately saving lives."
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