US Cellular and Ericsson have begun testing the performance of the carrier’s 5G network at altitude using drone technology. The trials, which were supported by the Ericsson Connected Drone Testing and Ericsson Device Analytics, involved flying a drone outfitted with a 5G smartphone and RF measurement equipment between two of US Cellular’s commercial 5G towers in Beloit, Wisconsin.
The goal was to obtain and analyze 5G network connectivity and speed date in the air, compare it to results captured on ground level and “ultimately understand what is required for the future use and success of 5G connected drones.”