Remote Drone Operations

Plan routes, manage flights and ensure compliance using API-driven programmable connectivity and insights

Drones are no longer confined to line-of-sight flight. They’re inspecting infrastructure, delivering packages, and responding to emergencies — often far from the operator’s view. Referred to as Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS), in these cases, network performance is a critical defining factor.

Network as Code gives drone platforms direct access to on-demand priority connectivity and real time network data — from signal strength to network congestion conditions — through APIs. This enables informed decisions before takeoff, dynamic adaptation during flight, and full compliance with operational rules.

Discover how programmable connectivity and live network data keeps drone operations efficient, responsive, and safe from route to return.

Planning the route

Build flight paths that account for signal quality and restrictions

Before takeoff, drone flight plans must be built to avoid areas that may disrupt their mission — including low-signal zones, congested regions, and no-fly areas.

With Network-aware route optimization, drone flight plans can:

Avoid poor coverage and congested zones: Reduce the risk of signal dropouts during flight
Bypass no-fly and dense population areas: Stay compliant with airspace and safety regulations
Select the best connectivity option: Choose the optimal mobile network provider providing coverage for the planned route and boost priority for guaranteed bandwidth and latency

Network-aware Route Optimization

Optimize your routes using network insights for optimal coverage.

Population Density

Get real time population density data directly from the network and geo-fence drones from flying over densely populated areas.

Device Location

Get credible location of a device without relying on GPS.

In-flight control

Stay responsive to changing conditions mid-air

As the drone moves, connectivity may change due to interference, coverage shifts, or temporary congestion. Network as Code APIs help the drone adjust in real-time.

With Network Insights and QoD (Quality on Demand):

Monitor signal strength and congestion live: Detect risks before performance is affected
Request improved QoS when needed: Boost bandwidth or latency performance for streaming or control
Switch networks in multi-SIM setups: Choose the better available network mid-flight without interruption

Network Insights

Get valuable insights directly from the network to stay responsive to changing network conditions.

Quality on Demand

Enable your drone application to boost bandwidth and latency over public networks.

Supervision and Compliance

Enable airspace visibility and operational integrity

Operators and regulators must ensure drones operate within defined boundaries, using authorized networks and behaviors.

With Device Location and Device Insights, systems can:

Track drone location without GPS dependency: Use network-assisted positioning for continuous visibility
Verify active signal bands and network status: Confirm operation within approved frequencies and coverage
Detect idle or disconnected drones: Identify potential issues in real-time for intervention or alerting

Device Location

Get credible location of a device without relying on GPS

Device Insights

Get insights into your devices directly from the network like its connectivity status and more

Build and test before you fly

API simulation environments

Run API logic in digital twin virtual testbeds

Offline routing and behaviour tests

Validate decision-making before launch

Mock congestion and signal events

Model network variability for edge-case handling

Multi-network support

Compare performance across CSPs

Evaluate live signal strength and congestion

Boost the best network dynamically

Adapt to changing conditions along the route

Switch providers mid-flight

Maintain continuous connection across coverage boundaries

In action

Bellevue demo

In a live demonstration at MWC and T-Mobile Amplify, a drone integrated with Network as Code APIs:

Planned a network-aware route: Avoided congested zones and restricted airspace based on live network and geospatial data
Switched networks mid-flight: Dynamically selected the most reliable CSP as conditions changed
Activated QoD for video streaming: Maintained consistent HD stream quality by adjusting network performance in real time

The entire flight was autonomously guided by live API responses — with no manual intervention required.

Drone connectivity demo with Nokia & Deutsche Telekom

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For developers

Start building

Network as Code gives drone developers direct access to the following:

REST APIs for programmable connectivity and live network and location data: Integrate seamlessly into control systems
SDKs and code samples: Speed up development
Testing sandboxes and analytics: Monitor and validate performance across environments