5G Networks Can Now Track Drones

AT&T and Ericsson successfully demonstrated that existing 5G cellular infrastructure can identify and track rogue drones in real time. By using Integrated Sensing and Communication technology on standard Massive MIMO radios, the system detects objects at low altitudes without needing dedicated radar hardware.

This proof-of-concept uses AI algorithms to process radio frequency reflections from multiple towers. The companies aim to accelerate these capabilities before 6G standards officially arrive.