Virgin Media O2 helps Warwickshire Search and Rescue team with 5G connected drone

Virgin Media O2 has developed a 5G connected drone to help UK search and rescue teams establish reliable communication in the most remote areas.

The Warwickshire Search and Rescue team is the first team to benefit from the new technology and is already using it on search missions.

In rural areas, emergency services and rescue teams often struggle to establish reliable communication, as most remote areas are not served by traditional mobile networks. This makes it extremely difficult for rescue teams and the police to stay connected on time-critical rescue missions.

Virgin Media O2’s 5G Technical Trials team developed a solution that provides reliable 5G mobile connectivity to rescue teams using a network of low earth orbit satellites, which is small enough to be flown on a drone.

The drone, which can be rapidly deployed in remote areas by the search and rescue team, acts as an airborne mobile phone mast, providing those on-the-ground with 5G mobile connectivity no matter where their mission takes them. This allows the rescue team to access essential information, communicate with one another, assess situations at speed and easily locate and save those in danger.

Steve Brown, Trustee and Search Technician at Warwickshire Search and Rescue, said: “Our team is made up volunteers and there is only so much resource available to us. With more and more callouts each year, this drone with mobile connectivity is a powerful tool for our team to understand and assess a situation immediately, saving crucial time in life-threatening situations. It means we are always connected, ensuring seamless communication and efficient coordination throughout our missions. As a result of this, we have connected the unreachable, saved lives, and inspired a new era of technological possibilities.”