(credit: AT&T)
AT&T has begun using drones to inspect its cell towers and wants to eventually use the little flying machines to deliver more mobile data at large events.
Aerial inspections can be performed “more quickly and safely—and [drones can] even access parts of a tower that a human simply could not,” AT&T’s announcement yesterday said. Drones capture data from network sites and feed the data to AT&T systems, helping the carrier make changes to its network “in real time,” AT&T said.
AT&T—which is also working with Intel to test LTE-connected drones—has grander plans for its drone program. If all goes well, AT&T drones could “temporarily provid[e] enhanced LTE wireless coverage at the packed venue so you, along with thousands of others in attendance, can simultaneously send photos and videos to share the moment,” the company said.
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Source: Ars Technica – AT&T drones are inspecting towers, may someday boost data rates