First in EU: T-Mobile and Primoco UAV SE introduce mobile signal boost via UAV drone — could deployed for the first time in the Jizerska 50 cross-country ski race

Prague, 22 January 2025 – T-Mobile Czech Republic, the largest Czech mobile carrier, has teamed up with the leading experts in unmanned aerial aviation from Primoco UAV SE. Together, they have developed and tested a unique solution for signal boosting during emergencies and commercial events outside of normal signal coverage. The technology enables the propagation of the mobile signal exclusively through the air — without using a ground transmitter. The project is being developed and piloted in the Czech Republic, with potential use within the Deutsche Telekom Group. T-Mobile CZ was the first operator in Europe to present this innovative solution in practice, along with successful test results. It plans to deploy the technology in live operation in two weeks' time during the Jizerska 50 cross-country ski race.

 

As a leader in technology innovation, T-Mobile introduced a unique compact portable mobile micro station late last year. After last year's pilot, it now brings another alternative to mobile signal coverage — boosting the network of the future using a drone. With the help of an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a mobile station, T-Mobile can "deliver" a mobile signal to any location where it is needed, provided weather conditions are favorable — becoming the first operator in Europe to do so. Over the past two years, T-Mobile has invested around CZK 5 billion in mobile network development and implemented more than 4,100 projects to upgrade its network to support 5G technology.

 

"This technology has great potential not only in emergency situations such as fires, earthquakes or floods. These are all situations where terrestrial transmitters temporarily or completely go out of service, or it is necessary to cover an area without regular signal availability," says Vladan Peković, CTIO T-Mobile Czech Republic, adding. "It also offers extensive opportunities for commercial use. With the growing popularity of large-scale sporting and cultural events in natural settings, the need for temporary signal reinforcement during such events is increasing. This applies particularly to areas under special legal protection, where constructing a permanent terrestrial transmitter is not possible, or in inaccessible terrain — typically mountainous, densely forested regions, or protected areas — where even a temporary mobile station cannot resolve the situation.”

 

The Primoco One 150 drone is designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic. The built-in mobile transmitter can be connected to a dedicated local network core to create a stand-alone campus network — for example, for emergency services. However, it can also be connected directly to the live network core via satellite. The drone is operated by a specialist from a control centre, most often from a vehicle due to its movement in the field. The Primoco One 150 drones carry equipment supplied by T-Mobile weighing 8 kg but can carry up to 30 kg and move in operational deployment at 1-2 km above the ground. 

 

The drone used by T-Mobile in partnership with Primoco UAV SE has a flight endurance of up to 15 hours, a flight altitude of up to 3,300 meters, and a range of up to 1,800 kilometers at a cruising speed of 120 km/h — allowing it cover any area in the EU within a matter of hours. A 10 MHz channel is used for signal transmission, with a speed of up to 90 Mbps. The signal range depends on the flight altitude and the frequencies used, typically covering an area of approximately 9 km², with a maximum limit of nearly 20 km². One drone can serve up to 1,000 active users in the context of mobile signal distribution. From the user’s perspective, nothing changes except the coverage — all that is needed is a 4G- or 5G-enabled mobile phone and an active SIM card from T-Mobile. To fully utilize the network's potential, a 5G-compatible phone is recommended.

 

"Primoco One 150 is the first certified UAV in this category in the civil domain — it is EASA LUC approved to SAIL III level and is in the final stages of military certification to NATO STANAG 4703. This means that it is virtually equal to a normal transport aircraft — it can fly over built-up areas without needing a Civil Aviation Authority permit, which increases the flexibility and efficiency of its deployment," says Ladislav Semetkovsky, CEO of Primoco UAV SE. The company has produced over 200 aircraft that are operated on four continents. "This year, we will start constructing a new production facility with a capacity of 250 drones per year to meet the growing demands of multinational partners such as Airbus Defence. We see the partnership with T-Mobile and the Deutsche Telekom group as a great opportunity to bring the potential offered by drones to the benefit of the majority of the population, whether it be for emergencies or large commercial events."

 

Jaroslav Holiš, Research & Development Senior Manager at Deutsche Telekom, confirms this: "We are very pleased that this innovative project sponsored by the Deutsche Telekom Group is taking place in the Czech Republic. It means great trust, significant investments are being made here, and innovations applicable to other countries in the Group are being developed here. The Czech Republic is thus participating in a unique innovation, the first in the EU. This solution can quickly help all components of the integrated rescue system in emergencies. Still, the potential of the technology is so great that we feel obliged to share it with anyone interested. We are, of course, in the beginning, but we are already discussing with relevant EU government departments to offer the technology to support their emergency services or defence forces."

 

Since 2018, Primoco has been a publicly traded company on the main market of the Prague Stock Exchange, with a market capitalisation of CZK 4.5 billion

 

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.