AT&T and Ericsson Use 5G Network Sensing to Track Drones Near Stadium
AT&T and Ericsson used 5G network sensing to detect and track drones outside AT&T Stadium. The demonstration took place in authorized airspace in Arlington, Texas, during one of the world’s largest sporting events.
The companies used Ericsson technology and AT&T network expertise to detect, locate and follow multiple drones in the coverage area. The test showed how existing wireless infrastructure could help protect major venues, critical infrastructure and other high-value locations from low-altitude activity.
Ericsson deployed Massive MIMO radios across multiple cellular sites to create a multi-static sensing setup. The system combined sensing-enabled radio transmissions, advanced signal processing and AI-enabled algorithms, using signals normally reserved for communications to support real-time environmental sensing.
During the demonstration, multiple drones flying at altitudes of 300 to 400 feet were detected, localized and continuously tracked. By combining observations from synchronized sensing nodes, the system improved detection reliability, positioning accuracy and target tracking, while generating live metrics including location, velocity and elevation.
The work points to a broader roadmap for Integrated Sensing and Communication as 5G advances and the industry moves toward 6G standards. Its main implication is clear: cellular networks could become distributed sensing platforms for venue security, event operations and low-altitude drone awareness well before full 6G commercialization.