Japan will allow drones to operate in 5G Internet networks
The Japanese authorities have so far banned the use of 5G communication standards in aviation, including the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. As the development of technological progress cannot be ignored, regulators intend to lift this restriction starting this spring, opening up the possibility of streaming video from drones in 4K resolution over 5G networks.
According to the authors of the initiative, cited by the Nikkei Asian Review, the ability to use 5G networks in combination with drones is very important for public services, as it allows for real-time transmission of detailed images during rescue and search operations. The Japanese islands are prone to natural disasters due to their geographical location, so regulators could not ignore this need indefinitely.
Flying over engineering infrastructure using drones that support video transmission over 5G networks will allow detecting the smallest structural defects in buildings and structures, preventing much larger defects due to fatigue failure or the effects of earthquakes. Broadcasting sports events in high resolution can serve as an example of another application of this technique. Before allowing the use of 5G networks in the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, the Japanese government intends to limit the signal power relayed by these aircraft and to reduce the operating range of frequencies available to them.
According to YH Research, by 2025, the market for drones with 5G connectivity will grow from the previous year’s $120 million to $697 million. By 2029, it will more than double to $2.23 billion. As drone cargo delivery systems develop, experts believe that the use of 5G networks will provide higher reliability and a margin for expansion of such services.
