Ericsson Develops ISAC Drone Tracking on Cell Networks

Ericsson is developing Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology that analyses radio signals reflected off flying objects to detect and track low-altitude drones using existing cellular infrastructure. Limited commercial trials are planned for 2027 and wider availability for 2028, after tests by AT&T near Arlington, Texas and Finland's Erillisverkot.

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Ericsson's ISAC lets cellular sites double as low-altitude drone sensors, giving carriers a possible new security revenue line beyond connectivity. It needs Massive MIMO radios, extra compute and software, which favours operators and vendors with advanced 5G footprints. It is pitched as complementary to dedicated radar, so established counter-UAS and radar suppliers face limited near-term displacement. Commercial trials only begin in 2027 and performance in urban clutter is unproven, so revenue impact is long-dated. Interest from governments and airports facing growing drone incursions could speed adoption, and 6G spectrum should improve sensing accuracy later.