Last Updated on by ICT BYTE
The rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has transformed sectors ranging from delivery services and infrastructure inspection to emergency response and aerial photography. However, this explosion in drone activity has introduced a critical challenge for airspace regulators and security personnel: how to monitor low-altitude traffic efficiently. Telecommunications giant Ericsson is addressing this issue by developing ground-breaking mobile network technology capable of detecting and tracking drones using existing cellular infrastructure.
With initial commercial trials set to launch in 2027 and a broader global deployment scheduled for 2028, this innovation could revolutionize low-altitude airspace management and usher in a new era of drone safety and security.
Transforming Mobile Infrastructure into Radar Systems
Traditionally, tracking airborne objects requires specialized radar installations, optical cameras, or radio frequency scanners. Ericsson’s new initiative leverages integrated sensing and communication technology embedded directly into mobile network base stations. By utilizing high-frequency cellular signals—such as those used in 5G and future 6G networks—the system can detect physical objects moving through the air.
This approach effectively turns standard cell towers into a distributed radar grid. As cellular radio signals bounce off flying objects, advanced algorithms analyze the reflections to calculate a drone’s precise location, speed, altitude, and direction of flight. Because mobile networks already blanket major cities, highways, and suburban neighborhoods, this technology offers ready-made coverage without requiring the massive capital expenditure of building dedicated radar networks from scratch.
Overcoming the Limitations of Existing Drone Tracking
Current methods for keeping tabs on drone traffic often rely on cooperative systems like Remote ID, where the drone actively broadcasts its identity and GPS coordinates via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals. While effective for law-abiding pilot operations, Remote ID has distinct vulnerabilities. Non-cooperative actors can easily turn off transmitters, jam signals, or alter firmware to hide their flight path.
Ericsson’s network-based tracking operates independently of the drone’s active cooperation. Because cellular sensing detects the physical presence of the UAV via signal reflections, rogue or unauthorized drones cannot simply turn off a signal to become invisible. Furthermore, mobile coverage provides robust tracking in dense urban canyons, where traditional satellite-based GPS signals often suffer from degradation or signal loss.
Commercial Trials and Future Deployment Timeline
The roadmap for this cellular tracking initiative is clear. Ericsson plans to initiate commercial trials starting in 2027 in partnership with major global telecom operators. These trials will test the system’s precision, reliability, and real-time response capabilities under various weather conditions and crowded signal environments.
If trials prove successful, widespread deployment is projected for 2028. For mobile network operators, this development represents a major new business opportunity. Beyond providing voice and data services to consumers, telecom providers will be able to offer high-value airspace monitoring data to government agencies, security firms, and commercial logistics operators.
Unlocking Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations
One of the biggest obstacles holding back commercial drone delivery services is the regulatory requirement for operators to maintain visual contact with their aircraft. To enable safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, aviation authorities require guaranteed airspace visibility to prevent mid-air collisions with other aircraft or hazards.
A pervasive network-based detection grid could serve as the foundational infrastructure for Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) platforms. By providing real-time positioning updates across wide geographic regions, Ericsson’s tech can help establish safe flight corridors, clear the way for autonomous deliveries, and support the future operation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.
Conclusion
The ability to track UAVs using existing mobile networks marks a major turning point in aviation and telecommunications integration. By turning base stations into active sensors, Ericsson is clearing a path toward safer skyways while giving cellular providers a crucial role in future airspace security. As 2027 approaches, the tech industry will closely watch how cellular drone tracking reshapes the future of low-altitude flight.