ARPAS-UK members BT, Sees.ai, Skylift and Skyfarer have collaborated to pioneer in telecommunications, unveiling the launch of the UK’s inaugural Drone SIM. This cutting-edge technology is set to unlock the full potential of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations throughout the United Kingdom.

The Drone SIM, designed to function seamlessly via the EE network, offers unlimited data plans and continuous connectivity while soaring through the skies. It boasts robust construction that can withstand vibration, extreme temperatures, and humidity, making it suitable for year-round drone usage. Initially, BT’s business customers will reap the benefits of this transformative technology, which has the potential to revolutionize a multitude of industries. From the swift delivery of medical supplies to infrastructure monitoring and efficient transportation of goods, the applications are boundless.

Leveraging the BT Group’s EE network, the Drone SIM enjoys high-priority, ultra-responsive connectivity. This ensures safety, precise control, telemetry, and the ability to stream ultra-high-definition (UHD) video content at altitude. This breakthrough empowers drone users to capture detailed, survey-grade imagery and videos, facilitating various applications, from search and rescue missions to infrastructure inspections.

The Drone SIM represents a remarkable leap forward in drone flight capabilities. With the broadest geographic coverage in the UK, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can now travel significant distances, fully unleashing their capabilities, all while maintaining continuous communication with remote pilots and safety systems. This marks a profound departure from the previous limitations imposed by line-of-sight radio transmission or local Wi-Fi connectivity.

Etc., the digital start-up and incubation arm of the BT Group, has played a pivotal role in driving innovation in the drone industry. Their historic collaborations, including a £5 million deal with Altitude Angel to develop the UK’s first drone superhighway, exemplify their commitment to advancing drone technology. The launch of the Drone SIM follows a series of successful trials and developments by the Etc. team. These trials encompassed critical infrastructure inspections with drone technology provider sees.ai, the validation of BVLOS mission safety standards in integrated airspace with turnkey Uncrewed Aerial System providers Skylift, and even powered a groundbreaking drone medical delivery trial with aerial logistics specialist Skyfarer.

Dave Pankhurst, Director of Drones at BT, expressed his excitement, stating, “Following the successful trials of our Drone SIM over the past year, this announcement is a huge stepping stone in bringing drone connectivity to businesses across the UK, unlocking potential for more efficient processes, business transformation and, with the ability to power search and rescue missions and medical deliveries, helping to save lives.”

Eduardo Aldaz-Carroll, Chief Technology Officer at sees.ai, emphasized the significance of drone inspections for critical national energy infrastructure. He said, “Drones offer significant benefits by increasing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of data capture so we can predict the future state of the asset with reduced risk and environmental impact. It’s great to be working with BT Group to develop the technologies required to roll out BVLOS drone inspection and monitoring at scale.”

Nick Ruggles, Chief Technology Officer at Skylift, acknowledged the game-changing impact of BT’s Telecoms Grade C2 links, stating, “BT’s Telecoms Grade C2 links have halved our deployment setup times. With recurring costs at just 14% of other systems and virtually zero infrastructure expenses, this is a game changer for us.”

Georgia Hanrahan, Chief Operations Officer at Skyfarer, highlighted the efficiency gains, saying, “With the Drone SIM powering BVLOS flight, we can take a 20-minute flight between two hospitals and reduce this to a more direct 8-minute flight. Perfect for time-sensitive deliveries. We estimate a wider scale roll out nationwide could reduce our delivery time by 60% compared to road transport.”

The Drone SIM is now available for purchase via the BT website.