AT&T and Ericsson have demonstrated a method for detecting drones using existing 5G cellular infrastructure. The test took place in authorized airspace surrounding AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during a major global sporting event. The companies showed that wireless networks could identify, locate, and monitor unmanned aerial vehicles in real time without requiring separate, dedicated sensing hardware.
The demonstration relied on Ericsson’s Massive MIMO radios deployed across multiple cellular sites. This setup created a multi-static sensing configuration that utilized radio signals normally reserved for communication. By applying advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence algorithms, the system processed these signals to gather environmental data. The network generated real-time metrics for the targets, including their position, speed, and altitude.
During the trial, the technology successfully detected, localized, and tracked several drones flying between 300 and 400 feet within the coverage zone. The system combined data from multiple synchronized nodes to improve positioning accuracy and tracking reliability. The demonstration illustrated how current 5G capabilities can support low-altitude threat detection for large venues and critical infrastructure.
Executives from both companies described the test as a step toward future 6G standards. They stated that the same underlying technology could eventually support safer operations and smarter venue management. The companies plan to continue developing Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technologies. They intend to share findings from this demonstration with other stakeholders involved in preparing for major events, including the next global sporting event in Los Angeles in 2028.
Dyon Agnew, senior vice president and head of the Customer Unit for Ericsson Americas, said the project shows a product roadmap in action. He noted that the demonstration uses advanced 5G features to explore how sensing and connectivity can work together. Agnew added that these capabilities can evolve over time as the path to 6G becomes clearer.
Yigal Elbaz, senior vice president and network chief technology officer at AT&T, described integrated sensing as a key part of the road to 6G. He stated that working with Ericsson allows AT&T to explore how wireless networks can add sensing to connectivity. Elbaz said this approach could support stronger customer experiences while creating a path to evolve these capabilities responsibly.
