Drone on Drones: UAVs May Reduce the Risk of Cell-Tower Inspections

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drone3Many potential drone uses could make life easier, cheaper and more efficient. But the use of drones in cell-tower inspections, a new idea taking off internationally, may have the added benefit of saving lives.

In 2013, 13 workers died while inspecting cell-towers. Last year, nine more died doing similar work. The in-depth inspections required to keep cell-towers in working order can involve serious risks to human inspectors, but the same results can be achieved with relative safety and ease utilizing drones. T-Mobile is already utilizing drones as cell-tower inspectors in the Netherlands, allowing human inspectors to complete their task while remaining safely on the ground. The inspections conducted by drones can transmit footage of the towers to those on the ground, allowing for split-second decision-making about the need for repairs.

While many potential uses for drones decrease cost, increase efficiency and are more convenient than current alternatives, the use of drones to inspect cell-towers would, in all likelihood, save lives in the years to come. Utilized correctly, drone technology can save more than time and money, it can save lives, all while ensuring the proper operation of infrastructure that has become essential to our daily lives.
 

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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