BRIDGING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND AVIATION: ENABLING SCALABLE BVLOS DRONE OPERATIONS THROUGH AIRSPACE DIGITIZATION

UDC: 629.7.014.9:[654.9:004.72.031.43]

Abstract

The integration between aviation and telecommunication systems is essential for enabling safe and scalable beyond visual line of sight (BVLoS) drone operations. To make BVLOS drone operations scalable, real-time access to dynamic airspace connectivity and dynamic population density data is critical for ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and efficiency. Mobile network operators (MNOs) are uniquely positioned to deliver this data, allowing aviation systems to make informed decisions based on the existing ground risk, as well as extrapolated and real-time network conditions such as throughput, latency, and other key radio network coverage indicators. This paper provides an introduction to the services that mobile network operators (MNOs) are delivering to support the drone ecosystem, with a particular focus on the reliability of information about airspace connectivity.

In Germany, the MNO Vodafone has released a commercially available solution that, uses pre-processed historical radio network data to provide extrapolated insights for the airspace connectivity and population density. In the Netherlands, MNO KPN offering similar capabilities, is collaborating with the Dutch Air Traffic Control to establish a digital drone corridor between hospitals. In Spain, the MNO Telefonica is not only delivering radio network intelligence but is also aiming to become a drone operator itself. In Switzerland, the MNO Swisscom has announced a deployment of 300 "drone-in-a-box" systems, making it the largest drone operator in Europe. In the United Kingdom, MNO BT is not only investing in capabilities to digitise the airspace and deliver dynamic population density data but is also taking a step further by investing in an Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system.  

These examples demonstrate how MNOs, by leveraging their existing infrastructure and driving airspace digitization, are becoming a critical link in the chain of BVLoS drone operations for the lower airspace. Recognising this role, they are increasingly positioning themselves not just as data providers, but as future aviation system providers. Despite advancements, challenges remain. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to incorporate real-time network intelligence, and standardisation is needed to ensure unified interoperability between telecom and aviation systems. Addressing these gaps will unlock a new era of automated, scalable, and safe BVLOS drone operations. This work aims to contribute to the academic and professional discourse around the convergence of telecommunications and aviation, providing real-world insights into how telecom operators are becoming key enablers of airspace digitization through dynamic connectivity (and population intelligence).  The conclusion is clear: to achieve automated and digital airspace management and enable the safe scaling of BVLOS drone operations, mobile network operators must move beyond sim card’s provision - becoming an embedded part of aviation systems by bridging telecom infrastructure with the airspace ecosystem. As this white paper will demonstrate, that transformation is already underway.