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    EU premiere: T-Mobile and Primoco UAV SE launch mobile phone signal transmission by drone

    Innovations from the Czech Republic

    T-Mobile Česká republika and Primoco UAV SE have developed an innovative technology that provides mobile phone signals via drones. This system enables signal amplification in crisis situations and at events in areas without network coverage.

    T-Mobile Czech Republic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG and the country’s largest mobile operator, has collaborated with Primoco UAV SE, a specialist in unmanned aerial vehicles, to develop and test a groundbreaking signal-boosting solution. This technology allows mobile phone signals to be distributed exclusively via drones from the air—eliminating the need for ground transmitters. The project, currently underway in the Czech Republic, has the potential to be adopted across the Deutsche Telekom Group. T-Mobile CZ is the first European operator to successfully test this innovative solution.

    The technology will debut in live operation from 6 to 9 February during the Jizerská padesátka (Jizera Mountains 50) cross-country skiing event.

    Pioneering Mobile Network Coverage

    At the end of last year, T-Mobile introduced a compact, portable microstation. Now, it has unveiled another innovation: a drone equipped with an integrated mobile station. T-Mobile is the first operator in Europe capable of delivering mobile signals precisely where they are needed—weather permitting. Over the past two years, the company has invested around CZK 5 billion in its mobile network and completed over 4,100 projects to prepare for 5G.

    “This technology has enormous potential, especially in crisis situations like fires or floods, where terrestrial transmitters fail,” explains Vladan Peković, CTIO of T-Mobile Česká republika. “It can also be deployed at major events in remote or protected areas where fixed transmitters are either impractical or impossible to use.”

    Foto: Primoco UAV

    Primoco One 150: The Drone in Detail

    The Primoco One 150 drone, developed and manufactured in the Czech Republic, can connect to a local network core for campus networks or integrate into the live network via satellite. It is operated from a mobile control center. The drone has a payload capacity of up to 30 kg, including an 8 kg mobile phone transmitter, and operates at an altitude of 1-2 km.

    With a flight time of 15 hours, a range of 1,800 km, and a maximum altitude of 3,300 m, the drone can reach any location within the EU in just a few hours. It transmits signals via a 10 MHz channel at speeds of up to 90 Mbps. A single drone typically covers 9 km² and supports up to 1,000 active users. All users need is a 4G or 5G smartphone and an active T-Mobile SIM card.

    Security and Certification

    The Primoco One 150 is the first certified drone of its kind in the civilian sector. It meets EASA LUC standards and is nearing military certification under NATO STANAG 4703 guidelines. “This certification puts it on par with a conventional aircraft, allowing it to fly over built-up areas without requiring special permits,” explains Ladislav Semetkovský, CEO of Primoco UAV SE. To date, over 200 units have been produced and are in use worldwide.

    Jaroslav Holiš, Senior Manager of Research & Development at Deutsche Telekom, highlights: “This project underscores the innovative strength of the Czech Republic. Developments here are creating solutions that can be implemented across the Deutsche Telekom Group.”

    Primoco UAV SE, listed on the stock exchange since 2018, currently boasts a market capitalisation of CZK 4.5 billion.

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