Verizon, Parrot, and Skyward have announced an exclusive partnership to bring the first out-of-the-box 4G LTE connected drone solution to the United States. The Skyward Connected Drone Solution, with Parrot’s ANAFI Ai, will be available in the second half of 2021 through Skyward.
Parrot ANAFI Ai has a lot to offer commercial drone customers. ANAFI Ai features autonomous photogrammetry, an open source app, new levels of security, obstacle avoidance, and more. ANAFI Ai is also “the first and only off-the-shelf drone to connect to Verizon’s 4G LTE network,” says the partnership announcement.
“Verizon 4G LTE connectivity is provided exclusively to Skyward subscribers at no additional cost. The Skyward Connected Drone Solution gives enterprises one complete experience for planning, flying, data transfer and processing data.”
What 4G LTE Connected Drone Really Means
“Parrot ANAFI Ai’s embedded Secure Element secures the 4G LTE link between the drone and the user’s device. Parrot’s implemented streaming software is adapted to the 4G situation to quickly optimize the definition and frame rate to the network quality,” says the announcement.
When Parrot ANAFI Ai pilots subscribe to a paid account – or a free trial – of the Skyward Connected Drone Solution, they can not only utilize Skyward’s airspace and fleet management tools, but transfer data during flight over 4G LTE: which means faster, more seamless live video streaming and data transfer.
Having the 4G LTE connection integrated into the drone solution provides ease of use – users don’t have to subscribe separately to a wireless service.
Once activated through Skyward, Verizon 4G LTE connectivity provides a seamless backup connection to the flight controller in case of interference or interruption. It paves the way for near real-time data transfer, remote deployment, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight flight operations — which are allowed today with a waiver from the FAA.
“Enterprise drone programs are pushing the limits of technology available today and advanced operators are ready for a connected, trusted, and capable drone to take their drone programs to the next level,” said Mariah Scott, Head of Verizon Robotics Business Technology. “Parrot ANAFI Ai connected to Verizon 4G LTE marks an industry milestone toward distributed, remote, persistent operations that lets users fly to anywhere from anywhere with near real-time data transfer.”
“Cellular connectivity is the new communications standard for the professional drone industry and Parrot ANAFI Ai seeks to set new standards for drones at work” said Henri Seydoux, Founder and CEO of Parrot. “We designed ANAFI Ai’s 4G LTE connectivity, which enables precise, robust and secure control at any distance with a 4G LTE connection that avoids obstacles. Advanced artificial intelligence, autonomous flights, best-in-class imaging, photogrammetry accuracy and reliable 4G LTE connectivity on the Verizon network, put powerful new tools in the hands of professionals like never before and we truly believe it is a game changer for the professional drone industry.”
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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[…] ANAFI Ai options Verizon 4G LTE connectivity, which serves to supply a connection to the flight controller that avoids interference, enabling […]