Qualcomm completed a series of test flights of drones and published the results of its research. It follows from the report that LTE-networks are suitable for the management of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Drones were repeatedly launched and controlled by cellular networks, but there was no evidence that such a method is reliable. Employees of Qualcomm more than a thousand times launched a 390QC quadrocopter to prove that the aircraft can be controlled remotely via LTE networks.
According to the researchers, the strongest cellular communication drones "catch" at an altitude of about 122 meters. In this case, switching between the towers does not create a big problem for the drones. Of the shortcomings, the company mentioned interference in the network, which significantly affect the flight of drones.

The results of the research prove that in the near future the range of UAV flights will not be limited by the range of wireless communication. The only limit is their ability to carry fuel and maintain battery power, which makes the industry one step closer to the long-term operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Previously, an American startup tested the drone for the transport of goods over long distances. The unmanned vehicle overcame 160 km, delivering a part weighing 2.13 kg.