To enhance the disaster response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications and Nokia successfully developed a drone solution, which was presented in a field demonstration at the PRC Logistics and Training Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone recently.
This innovative non-profit initiative called Nokia Saving Lives aims to provide communications technology and technical assistance to emergency response teams, which includes drones, a portable rescue application center, a private mobile broadband network and applications on video streaming, mapping and analytics.
Through Smart’s high-speed LTE connectivity, which is based on the portable Nokia Ultra Compact Network, a secure communication will be provided for the rescue team members and the remote-controlled drones, which are equipped with different types of cameras, sensors and speakers, and can also be used to carry first aid kits.
“The Philippines is at the frontline of climate change. That is something that we have to live with,” said PLDT and Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto. “This collaboration with the PRC and Nokia underscores our commitment to use technology for good.”
NSL is supported by GSMA, which has granted a Disaster Response Innovation Fund to Nokia for this drone project that was presented at the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter Regional Workshop for Asia-Pacific last July.
“This drone and network solution can help us gather accurate and up-to-date data on the status of lifelines in disaster situations. This, in turn, can provide us with information vital in the implementation of rescue and assistance to the affected areas,” said PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla.