Telecommunications company Syniverse and GE Aviation’s AiRXO, which works to accelerate the safe, efficient and scalable growth of unmanned services, are collaborating to provide a communications infrastructure that manages drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles operating at low altitudes.

The Syniverse network runs completely separate from the public internet, thus making the Unmanned Traffic Management system and the information it sends invisible to hackers

Drones and UAVs transmit sensitive information and message notifications and, because they are connected to the unprotected public internet, are vulnerable to attacks from cyber villains. Syniverse and AiRXO are delivering a private network to protect this valuable information. “By utilising our secure, private network, Syniverse Secure Global Access, we can ensure the information is only accessible to the correct parties,” explained Mike O’Brien, Group Vice-President, Syniverse. “The Syniverse network runs completely separate from the public internet, thus making the Unmanned Traffic Management system and the information it sends invisible to hackers as the data and messages are diverted away from networks with unprotected connectivity.”

The private information sharing that Syniverse Secure Global Access will benefit first responders, enabling emergency teams to assess a given situation using UAVs and allowing lifesaving information to be conveyed to dispatchers through a secure connection.

Ken Stewart, CEO, AiRXOS, said: “Syniverse’s connectivity and engagement solution expertise combined with AiRXOS’ proven Air Mobility Platform will deliver customers a trusted, best-in-class solution that truly accelerates advanced UAS operations.”