Drone Network in Switzerland

Swisscom Broadcast is collaborating with Nokia to establish a nationwide drone network in Switzerland, aimed at offering automated drone flights as a service starting in fall 2024. This network will provide secure and efficient drone solutions for various applications, such as infrastructure inspections, police operations, and large-area protection. The service will cover everything from infrastructure to Sora applications (Swiss operational flight approvals) and data storage, all managed by Swisscom Broadcast.

Key Features of the Drone Network:

1. First Responder Drones for Emergency Services: Drones will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency organizations by quickly gathering critical information, improving coordination, and increasing the safety of first responders. For instance, drones can help assess accident sites, fires, or crime scenes, allowing for faster response times, which can save lives.

2. Infrastructure Inspections: Drones will be used for inspecting critical infrastructure like power lines, bridges, and buildings. These inspections help detect damage early and ensure ongoing maintenance, reducing risks and complying with regulatory requirements. The drones will operate at scheduled intervals, generating detailed imagery for analyses like creating digital twins of assets. AI will assist in identifying significant changes or potential issues in infrastructure.

3. Area Protection: Drones will also be employed for perimeter protection of critical infrastructure, production sites, public spaces, prisons, military sites, and borders. By combining drone surveillance with alarm sensors, the security level of these areas can be significantly improved. This automated, drone-based monitoring system will reduce security costs while maintaining high standards.

Strict Regulations for Autonomous Drone Flights:

For drone flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), special regulations apply. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) oversees drone flight operations using the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) method. With the collaboration of Nokia and the regulatory authorities, all drone operations will comply with legal frameworks, ensuring safety and proper frequency use.

One-Stop-Shop:

Swisscom Broadcast offers a complete drone service package, supported by the expertise of both Swisscom and Nokia, two companies with a strong background in 4G/5G technologies. Customers will have access to a European-developed drone infrastructure and receive a comprehensive range of services, from consultancy to automated piloting and flight monitoring, as well as secure data storage in Swisscom's data centers.

Industry Impact:

The project represents a significant milestone for digital safety solutions in Switzerland, as it integrates innovative drone technology into public safety and industrial applications. By partnering with Nokia, Swisscom aims to advance drone-based safety to the next level, ensuring Swiss businesses gain access to high-quality, reliable Drone-as-a-Service offerings.

Dominik Müller, CEO of Swisscom Broadcast: “The nationwide drone network is a milestone in developing digital safety solutions in Switzerland. With Nokia’s Drone Network, we are implementing a proven end-to-end solution for connected drones used in industrial and public safety applications.”

Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia: “We are proud to collaborate with Swisscom Broadcast to establish a nationwide Drone-as-a-Service network in Switzerland. The Nokia Drone Networks solution, powered by our industrial-edge technology, will support large-scale projects and provide Swiss companies with top-tier drone services to enhance worker and public safety.”