It underlines the need for regulation, particularly in the areas of security and safety, to support the drone industry to develop
UK unveils policy paper on future use of drones: BEIS and the DfT have jointly published an ambition statement, which sets out how government and industry will work together to achieve a 2030 vision for the use of commercial drones in the UK – and how they will do so in a way that delivers the maximum benefit while sharing airspace equitably and safely with other users. The statement outlines how drones, sometimes known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can deliver new capabilities, boost productivity, reduce risk to life and lower carbon emissions. It also discusses how technology, regulation, funding, business support and public perception will all be key enablers to realising the potential of drone solutions, with the aim of stimulating new investment into the sector and encouraging widespread end user adoption.
Positive impacts on the economy, environment and telco costs: The UK’s ambition statement outlines various potential use cases for drones, including close-up inspections in difficult to access areas, such as mobile masts. Infrastructure inspection is presented as a primary example of how drones could help the telecoms industry save £0.9bn annually by 2030. This figure is a fraction of the overall £22.4bn cost saving that has been projected, with public and defence, health and education services expected to derive the most gain (£4.6bn), closely followed by agriculture, mining and utilities (£4.4bn). Nevertheless, the Government envisages wider benefits for the UK, estimating that – under a best-case scenario – the drone industry could create 650,000 jobs, cut carbon emissions by 2.4m tons and add £45bn to the economy by 2030.
Connectivity and regulation are two key pillars of the strategy: The statement recognises connectivity as a core enabler of drones, and notes the work and investments some operators are undertaking to support drones with 4G/5G technology. In addition, it underlines the need for regulation (particularly in the areas of security and safety) that supports the drone industry as it develops. It is therefore clear that the Government anticipates close collaboration with operators, regulators (Ofcom and the CAA), equipment manufacturers and end users in turning its vision into reality. This will include developing the Government’s Future of Flight Plan, delivering against a refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy and establishing technical parameters and an authorisation solution to permit drone operation using cellular technologies, which the Government wants by the end of 2022. With mobile central to drone functionality, the industry is in a strong position to shape future capabilities and outcomes.
