Operator e& UAE has announced the launch of its autonomous drone-based cell tower inspection, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), calling it a major leap in telecom infrastructure management and operational safety.
The new initiative combines real-time data analytics, AI and autonomous flight capabilities to enable faster, safer, and more sustainable inspection of telecom towers across the UAE.
The introduction of autonomous drones, says e&, redefines the way telecom infrastructure is maintained and monitored. Controlled remotely from the company’s Drones Operations Centre, each drone flight is tracked in real time by expert teams who oversee flight progress, verify safety protocols and ensure inspection accuracy.
Unlike traditional tower inspections, drones can navigate complex environments autonomously, enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency. They also play a vital role in emergency response, supporting the delivery of critical aid and connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
Through advanced AI analytics, the drones instantly detect structural anomalies during inspection, enabling a proactive approach to maintenance that prevents costly disruptions and extends asset lifespans. The technology also supports remote inspections of safety procedures and surveillance of unauthorised activity, driving a smarter, more secure network environment.
Each review generates actionable data that feeds into e& UAE’s digital infrastructure management systems, supporting predictive maintenance, optimised asset use and a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional inspection methods.
This initiative follows the recently inauguration of e&’s Drones Operations Centre in strategic collaboration with the UAE Cyber Security Council and General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to advance unmanned traffic management (UTM) and drone integration in national digital infrastructure.
