DRONES are controversial in certain sectors, like the military and intelligence, but they’re popular among younger people, particularly in the creative field.
These are aerial vehicles that can fly without human intervention. People control the drones from the ground.
Drones, which come in all shapes, sizes and price points, aren’t just for spying or taking aerial photographs and videos. They have other purposes, too. For instance, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) Global Hawk carries the sensors that provide data to support and augment Nasa spaceborne missions. They are used for high-altitude, long-duration Earth science missions.
Drones are also used in oil-rig operations and even for agricultural purposes.
After a disaster, a drone can be used to assess the extent of damage in affected areas.
PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications will provide high-speed connectivity to a drone system that will help improve the disaster-response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
The drone system, which will operate on Smart’s frequencies during times of emergency, is part of Nokia Saving Lives, which aims to provide communications technology and technical assistance to emergency-response teams.
This initiative was showcased in Barcelona, Spain, at the recent Mobile World Congress organized by GSMA, an organization of nearly 800 operators and more than 300 mobile companies all over the world.
Nokia Saving Lives is a nonprofit corporate initiative that provides innovative communications technology and technical-expert assistance to emergency response teams.
Yes, it uses drones and real-time applications like video streaming, gas sensing, mapping and analytics, all of which help rescuers rapidly gain situational awareness so they can provide the fastest possible response. The system consists of drones, a portable data center, a mobile broadband network, and such applications previously mentioned. Red Cross responders can use these tools to assess current status of lifelines and analyze immediate needs and gaps. This will help the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to communities in more timely, effective and efficient ways.
Using Smart’s high-speed LTE connectivity and Nokia’s portable Ultra Compact Network, the system can also create a secure communication between drones, other equipment and rescue-team members.
The drone can be equipped with different types of cameras, sensors and speakers, and can also be used to carry first-aid kits. Meanwhile, the portable data center is a computing and storage unit that can be used for immediate data analysis.
“Nokia is committed to using technology to make people’s lives better. With our Nokia Manila Technology Center, we’re honored to collaborate
with Smart and the Philippine Red Cross in this disaster management enhancement project utilizing LTE connected drones in Philippines, helping the country improve emergency response and save lives,” said Nicolas Bouverot, Nokia head of market unit in Asia South.
“We’re happy to be part of this project by providing vital communications support for the operations of the drones. This project is in line with our commitment to deploy tech innovations for the benefit of communities, particularly during times of disasters,” PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto said.
Smart is one of the three founding signatories of GSMA’s Human Connectivity Charter (HCC). The charter, which was signed in 2015, aims to provide increased access to communication and information for those affected by calamities, helping reduce loss of lives and contribute to humanitarian response.
The charter has grown to include over 100 mobile-operator members and six humanitarian partners across more than 75 countries. HCC was launched to enable network operators and industry partners to formalize their commitments to enhance their capacity to mitigate, prepare for and respond to disasters through mobile technology.
Smart’s disaster-preparedness programs were cited in GSMA HCC’s annual report in 2016. These programs include Smart’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS), which sends out location- and hazard-specific alerts; its ICT Bayanihan series of regional summits to institutionalize emergency telecommunications teams; and the Batingaw disaster-management app, which has been replicated in the Horn of Africa. In 2017 the report said Smart had sent SMS and ECBS disaster alerts to 10 million people. Smart has also been a partner of the PRC for disaster response efforts and blood-donation drives. It has extended support to Red Cross chapters all over the country on various occasions and in times of calamities by providing communications facilities and helping set up first-aid stations, among other activities.
Smart’s support to the PRC and commitment to HCC are part of the company’s #SafePH advocacy, which aims to help build resilient communities and reduce disaster-related casualties through technology.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be included in some Smart visits to disaster-prone areas. The telco has really taken the lead in helping the Red Cross and local government units in disaster preparedness and response with a number of worthy initiatives.
Last year Smart rolled out its TNT Tropang Ready Caravan learning series to state universities from Northern Luzon to Mindanao in order to empower the youth in mobilizing their communities in times of disasters. I remember spending a birthday somewhere in Batangas for one of these caravans.
Smart also enhanced the capability of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council by turning over to the agency the Emergency Cell Broadcast System. This system issues quick location- and hazard-specific alerts using a channel separate from that used by calls and text messages, which may get congested in times of calamities.