Telefónica,in partnership with Nokia,unveiled a groundbreaking autonomous drone service at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025,with the goal of revolutionizing aerial mobility in Spain.
This initiative leverages the robust capabilities of Telefónica’s 5G network and the innovative Open gateway framework, facilitating the secure, efficient, and scalable deployment of autonomous drone operations within airspace.
The exhibition of Telefónica’s ‘Open Gateway 5G Drones’ is anchored on three core components:
- 5G Network and Open Gateway – This synergy delivers high-speed connectivity and utilizes APIs that enhance safe and efficient flight planning and execution, enabling proactive risk management and route optimization.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Power – These technologies significantly boost drone functionalities across diverse applications, allowing for intricate tasks such as infrastructure monitoring, control, predictive maintenance, material delivery, and fire prevention.
- Telefónica’s Remote Control Center – Acting as the central hub of the ecosystem, this facility oversees and manages drone operations and their automated bases, which can be located tens or even hundreds of kilometers away. Operators can manage flight planning, real-time monitoring, and preventive maintenance from anywhere in Spain, ensuring a safe and comprehensive service.
At TelefónicaS exhibit during this year’s MWC, attendees can explore Nokia Drone Networks, a 5G-enabled drone-in-a-box solution that includes the drone, base station, and control software, featuring an open software architecture and compatibility with both private and public networks. This model supports extensive geographical coverage through a drone-as-a-service approach. This demonstration is part of an ongoing collaboration between Telefónica and Nokia aimed at enhancing public safety and serving mission-critical sectors.
Telefónica: Holistic Management of Drone Bases
Telefónica offers a unique service within the drone ecosystem through the comprehensive management of automated drone bases designed for the operation of autonomous drones.These bases are automated stations that house, recharge, and deploy drones autonomously, functioning as operational hubs that enable drones to perform both routine and on-demand tasks without direct human oversight.
In addition to managing the drone network and their bases, Telefónica’s service encompasses maintenance, flight permit management to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and operational piloting.
The integration of 5G technology is crucial for extending flight range,providing high data capacity essential for real-time video transmission during missions,and ensuring low latency. This allows for real-time control of drones and speedy responses to environmental changes during operations.
MWC Showcases
To illustrate the potential of autonomous drone flight planning,Telefónica is presenting three practical use cases at MWC in Barcelona,integrated with the AirborneRF platform (from Dimetor) and the capabilities of open Gateway’s 5G network. One use case focuses on healthcare,utilizing an air corridor for transporting medical supplies between hospitals.
Another submission is centered on environmental protection, where the drone network is employed to identify heat sources for fire prevention. The third scenario pertains to logistics across various industries, where drones autonomously scan QR codes of inventory items in warehouses, eliminating the need for human operators and machinery.
anti-Drone Solutions
Telefónica has also rolled out a sophisticated anti-drone system nationwide, designed to safeguard critical infrastructures, crowded venues, and confined spaces. This advanced solution employs cutting-edge radio frequency technology to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones with high precision,even in complex environments. Its effectiveness has been validated across various settings, establishing it as a vital tool for airspace protection.
The anti-drone system is highly adaptable, allowing it to evolve with future technologies and operational demands. Its capability to integrate with other security systems ensures it not only addresses current threats but also anticipates future technological advancements.
Open Gateway
Open Gateway is an initiative led by GSMA that aims to transform telecommunications networks, fostering a new generation of digital services through globally standardized APIs that facilitate the integration of innovative solutions. Telefónica’s application of APIs in drone operations is reshaping the future of aerial mobility.
During the ‘Open Gateway 5G Drones’ demonstration at Telefónica’s stand at MWC, visitors can learn about the API dynamic Airspace Connectivity Data, which utilizes AI to gather facts on connectivity provided by 4G and 5G networks over specific airspace volumes for future dates and times.
Attendees will also discover the API Population Density Data, which identifies the number of people beneath a drone’s flight path at the time of operation, assessing potential risks and selecting optimal routes to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, the API of Quality on Demand will be showcased, optimizing the connectivity required for drone operations to ensure an uninterrupted connection.
Join Nokia at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Hall 3 Stand 3B20 & Hall 4 Stand 4G300, from March 3-6.
