AT&T, Ericsson Demonstrate 5G Drone Detection to 6 Kilometers as Agencies Eye Public-Safety Use
Updated
Updated · Fierce Network · Jul 13
AT&T, Ericsson Demonstrate 5G Drone Detection to 6 Kilometers as Agencies Eye Public-Safety Use
3 articles · Updated · Fierce Network · Jul 13
Summary
Three towers near AT&T Stadium tracked and classified low-altitude drones in a 5G ISAC test, with AT&T and Ericsson saying the system can detect targets up to 6 kilometers away.
Ericsson enabled the proof of concept by adding signal-processing software to existing base-station hardware, while AI running at the edge fused echoes from synchronized towers to estimate a drone’s speed, direction, size and elevation.
300-to-400-foot flights in authorized airspace were identified as friendly drones, a use case the companies say matters because low-altitude targets can be difficult for traditional radar to spot.
Federal agencies are already funding related R&D, AT&T said, as public-safety interest grows after rising concern over weaponized drones and potential attacks on crowded events.
2028 Olympics security is one target market, and Ericsson expects small-scale deployments within two years even though ISAC is widely viewed as a future 6G capability.
Can AT&T truly deliver a 6G sensing future on today's 5G networks, or are critical security gaps being overlooked?
As 5G networks become all-seeing sensors, what new rules will protect our personal privacy from constant, invisible surveillance?
Beyond just spotting drones, how will turning mobile networks into a massive sensing grid reshape our cities and daily lives?
How 5G ISAC Powers Drone Detection: AT&T and Ericsson’s 2026 Stadium Demo and the Path to 6G
Overview
AT&T and Ericsson recently demonstrated advanced 5G drone detection near AT&T Stadium, showing how current 5G networks can support real-time environmental sensing. By using Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), the system can effectively detect low-altitude drones, providing law enforcement with a powerful tool to track illegal drone flights around major events and public spaces. This breakthrough highlights how existing 5G infrastructure can enable new security features, enhancing public safety and paving the way for future network advancements. The demonstration proves that 5G networks can do more than just connect devices—they can also help protect people and venues.