Cutting Cell Tower Costs with Drones
As mobile networks move towards 5G, the demand for telecom towers is expected to increase. For example, CTIA forecasted that small cell production in the US will grow from 86,000 in 2018 to over 800,000 by 2026.
The cell tower industry is simply one amongst many who may be transformed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). ETAK Systems dominates in the UAV Infrastructure 3D Mapping sector and has secured over 40 patents for 3D modeling, drone flights, audits, and installations at cell sites with an additional 39 pending patents. Their patent (US Patent No. 10,395,434) explains the need for reducing tower climbs costs with improved 3D modeling techniques from drones that can obtain 360 degree photos from an aerial perspective.
There have also been attacks on cell towers and telecom workers by the recent 5G/coronavirus conspiracy theorists, thus supporting utilization of drones for cell tower installations and inspections, which could guarantee the safety of tower climbers during these uncertain times.
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