The Same 5G Network Your Phone Uses Can Identify and Track Rogue Drones

The same 5G network that powers your smartphone can also identify and track rogue drones, according to a proof-of-concept demonstration by AT&T and Ericsson. This breakthrough could transform how authorities detect and respond to aerial threats without requiring dedicated radar systems.

AT&T and Ericsson have shown that existing 5G cellular infrastructure can be repurposed to detect, identify, and track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that may pose safety or security risks. The demonstration used standard 5G base stations to pick up signals from drones and triangulate their positions in real time.

The idea is simple but powerful: 5G networks already transmit massive amounts of data between towers and devices. With software upgrades, the same network can listen for drone-specific radio signatures and determine their location, speed, and direction. This capability could help airports, stadiums, government buildings, and other sensitive sites monitor unauthorized drone activity.

Rogue drones have become a growing concern worldwide. They have disrupted airports, flown over restricted areas, and even been used in assassination attempts. Traditional counter-drone systems rely on radar, radio-frequency scanners, or optical sensors, which are expensive and not always available. Leveraging existing 5G networks could provide widespread coverage at lower cost.

AT&T and Ericsson conducted the demonstration as part of a broader push to explore new applications for 5G beyond mobile broadband. The companies did not disclose specific test locations or exact performance metrics, but they confirmed the system could distinguish drones from other objects and track them accurately. "We are proving that 5G can do more than just connect phones," said an AT&T representative in a statement. Ericsson added that the technology could be integrated into existing network infrastructure with minimal hardware changes.

Industry analysts see this as a natural evolution. 5G networks are dense, with many small cells covering urban areas. They already handle massive device connectivity and low-latency communication. Adding drone detection would be a software-layer feature that could be rolled out to towers nationwide. However, privacy advocates may raise concerns about networks potentially tracking all aerial devices, and regulatory approval would be needed before deployment.

The path forward includes further testing and collaboration with aviation authorities and law enforcement. AT&T and Ericsson plan to refine the system and explore commercial partnerships. If successful, 5G-based drone tracking could become a standard feature of telecom networks, offering a scalable solution to a modern security challenge.