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Digital airspace

Mission Critical Network’s in the skies

The sky is our next digital frontier

Digital airspace at all altitudes is rapidly becoming integral to next-generation mobility, logistics, and safety solutions. Traditional systems are not equipped to deliver the required speed, scalability, or intelligence for these advancements. We are redefining airspace connectivity, spanning from ground level to over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft), through 4G and 5G networks specifically engineered for aerial applications.

The sky as the emerging digital frontier

Digital airspace segmentation
> 300.00 %
growth in UAV traffic expected in next decade.

Challenges in the low and mid-altitudes

Challenges in the low and mid-altitudes

Low altitude (0–300 m): The lack of large-scale traffic management combined with spectrum congestion creates barriers to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations—critical to unlocking real commercial value.

Mid altitude (300–3,000 m): Rapid handoffs, signal interruptions at high speed, and strict mission-critical requirements from air taxis, air ambulances, and defense demand robust solutions.

The 5G advantage in the skies

The 5G advantage in the skies

We’re extending 4G, 5G — and soon 6G — beyond terrestrial limits to power purpose-built aerial networks. These networks deliver ultra-reliable, low-latency connections, pinpoint positioning, and network slicing capabilities tailored to the dynamic needs of airborne assets.

Proven in flight: Teracom’s aerial network.

Proven in flight: Teracom’s aerial network

In Sweden, Teracom’s nationwide 5G ready aerial network uses tall broadcast towers to achieve 90 km airborne coverage — cutting handovers by 80% compared to ground networks. The network would enable mission critical operations in the skies with search and rescue, air ambulances, drone delivery and inspections etc.

5G enabling nationwide aerial mobility

Unlocking new opportunities

Connected airspace represents more than just enhanced communications—it serves as a driving force for business innovation and societal advancement:

  • Drone detection using Integrated Sensing and communication (ISAC)
  • Accelerated logistics and advanced air mobility
  • New telecom APIs like population density to mitigate ground risk
  • Increased safety for emergency response and defense operations

Drones facilitating package delivery                       

Aerial perspective of solar farm inspection         

Police drone supporting urban safety                        

eVTOL operating within a bustling city environment

The future of intelligent skies

The future of intelligent skies graph.

Looking ahead to 6G, networks will sense and communicate contextually, detecting even unconnected aircraft in real time. Standardized APIs will bridge aviation and telecom sectors, creating an intelligent, self-aware sky that is safer, smarter, and more sustainable than ever before.

Explore what’s next

Ericsson thought leadership discussion at Mobile World Congress 2025 on digital airspace and its business opportunities, focusing on the integration of telecom and aviation industries.

It covers various topics such as the use of drones for public safety, the challenges and expectations of the drone ecosystem, and the importance of partnerships and regulatory frameworks. The panellists include representatives from FirstNet USA, GSMA, Saab Group, and Ericsson, who share their insights and experiences on the subject.

Watch video

Further reading

5G - A key enabler for Air traffic control

Aviation is entering a bold new era driven by smarter comms and next-gen aircraft.  Ericsson proposes a strategic roadmap leveraging 5G Standalone technology to address the evolving needs of digital airspace.

NTN for Mission Critical Communications

Envisioning communication without limits, even in the most challenging situations.

Digital airspace: Enabling mission-critical communication in the skies

Our latest article explores how existing 3GPP technologies like 5G have the power to revolutionize connectivity in the skies, offering vast opportunities.

The airspace is evolving. Let’s shape it together.

 

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