Nokia has announced an expansion of its Drones-as-a-Service operations in North America, a move that underscores the increasing integration of drone technology in various industries. Through a partnership with private wireless partners, Nokia aims to bring the benefits of its Nokia Drone Networks to a broader range of enterprises and service providers.
The program offers enterprises the option to purchase, lease, or hire drones for single or regular flights, providing flexibility in terms of capital expenditure and operational needs. This adaptability extends to service packages, which Nokia and its partners will tailor to individual enterprise requirements, encompassing aspects like data analytics and drone maintenance.
Drone service providers stand to gain from this program by diversifying their offerings across multiple industries, creating new revenue streams. Nokia's commitment to collaboration with industry partners allows for customization of drone payloads to meet specific business requirements.
Nokia's end-to-end solution has received certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for operation in North America, indicating compliance with regional regulatory standards. The Nokia Drone Networks utilize public and private 4G/LTE and 5G networks for reliable and safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The ruggedized docking and recharging station included in the solution makes it suitable for a range of applications. Industries can leverage these drones for tasks such as surveillance, environmental monitoring, inspections in hazardous locations, and public safety operations.
When deployed with Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and Nokia MX Industrial Edge at campus networks, enterprises can benefit from robust connectivity and real-time data processing on-premises. This integration opens doors to innovative use cases and accelerates return on investment.
Stephan Litjens, Vice President of Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions at Nokia, highlights the significance of leveraging private wireless partnerships to meet the intricate needs of various industries. The collaboration with spectrum and airspace regulators ensures a balance between innovation and safety.
The DXC Technology team, after witnessing Nokia's drone use cases, envisions an easy adoption process for enterprises, akin to hailing a ride-share. The emphasis is on simplicity and efficiency, with the assurance of regulatory compliance and maximized capabilities when combined with Nokia's private wireless solutions.
Nokia's expansion into the North American market with its Drones-as-a-Service program represents a significant step in the practical application of drone technology in enterprise settings. The program's flexible deployment options, combined with regulatory compliance and the potential for enhanced operational efficiency, position Nokia as a key player in the evolving landscape of industrial drone usage.