Vodafone is piloting a groundbreaking technology in Spain that could significantly enhance emergency connectivity in Portugal. Using drones equipped with Taara's optical wireless technology, the operator has successfully tested a system that can restore network connections by bypassing damaged infrastructure.
A recent trial in Seville demonstrated how two drones, one connected to a mobile antenna and the other to a Vodafone data center 3km away, could establish a high-speed link using beams of visible light. While Vodafone hasn't disclosed detailed performance metrics, previous tests of Taara’s technology have achieved speeds of up to 20 Gbps over distances of up to 20 km.
This innovation, developed by X (formerly Google X), could be particularly beneficial for Portugal. In scenarios such as forest fires, where traditional networks are compromised, or in remote coastal and island regions where submarine cables are costly to install, drone-based connectivity could provide a fast and effective solution.
More details about Vodafone’s partnership with Taara will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and its potential expansion to Portugal remains an exciting possibility.
Related News