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AT&T using drones to inspect cell towers, exploring capabilities of "Flying COWs"

Posted at 8:04 AM, Jul 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-18 10:45:24-04

 One wireless carrier is stepping up its game when it comes to drones, exploring ways the machines can help customers in the future. 

AT&T announced on its official blog that the company is now in the trial phase of its "National Drone Program."

The company confirms it has already been using drones to do detailed inspections of cell towers.

The aircrafts, AT&T says, can access hard-to-reach areas. What's neat--that visual inspection helps technicians identify the problem and make sure they have the appropriate tools before they even get up there.

In the future, the telecommunications company is also looking at Flying COWs. We're not talking about barnyard animals. COW stands for Cell on Wings.

The idea is to provide more enhanced LTE coverage using a tethered drone at large events. 

The company notes those special drones could also give people better service in the event of a disaster.

Of course, AT&T is not the only company exploring this idea. Facebook, among other companies, is also looking at using drones to deliver internet service.

More details here.