UAVs: commercial applications and the opportunity for mobile operators
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise module.
Advancements in drone capabilities, wider availability of hardware, and affordable equipment pricing mean uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are moving towards early commercial adoption. The UAV ecosystem broadly expects the market to move to mainstream from 2025.
Mobile network operators have opportunities with strong monetisation prospects. However, few mobile operators have detailed a comprehensive strategy. To be ready in two to three years, they need to act now.
In early 2023, GSMA Intelligence conducted a global survey of 25 UAV ecosystem players on market trends, challenges and opportunities. Leveraging GSMA Intelligence research into mobile operator network investment plans (5G-Advanced and 6G) and drone strategies, this report presents survey insights across areas including revenue opportunities, challenges and timelines for wider adoption, and expected roles and services for telcos. The report also presents several case studies of telecoms operators in the UAV ecosystem.
Related research
The telco culture pivot: adapting sales strategies to win in the enterprise
Business challenges, technology priorities and buying behaviour vary significantly by industry, customer size, technology maturity and geography. Operators should more finely segment and prioritise specific customer segments and tailor go-to-market strategies and value propositions accordingly.
10 years of LoRaWAN: The Things Conference 2025 signals a new phase for a converged IoT future
The Things Conference 2025 recently concluded in Amsterdam, marking a milestone for the global LoRaWAN and broader IoT community. Coinciding with the 10-year mark since the creation of The Things Industries and the founding of the LoRa Alliance, the conference offered reflections on a decade of IoT evolution. Discussions also highlighted the emerging edge AI opportunity and the impact of the EU Cyber Resilience Act for the wider IoT ecosystem.
The rise of digital industries in ASEAN: accelerating enterprise transformation through AI and mobile
The digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). GSMA Intelligence surveyed more than 580 enterprises across 10 sectors in five ASEAN countries to gain insight into their digital transformation.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
The telco culture pivot: adapting sales strategies to win in the enterprise
Business challenges, technology priorities and buying behaviour vary significantly by industry, customer size, technology maturity and geography. Operators should more finely segment and prioritise specific customer segments and tailor go-to-market strategies and value propositions accordingly.
10 years of LoRaWAN: The Things Conference 2025 signals a new phase for a converged IoT future
The Things Conference 2025 recently concluded in Amsterdam, marking a milestone for the global LoRaWAN and broader IoT community. Coinciding with the 10-year mark since the creation of The Things Industries and the founding of the LoRa Alliance, the conference offered reflections on a decade of IoT evolution. Discussions also highlighted the emerging edge AI opportunity and the impact of the EU Cyber Resilience Act for the wider IoT ecosystem.
The rise of digital industries in ASEAN: accelerating enterprise transformation through AI and mobile
The digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). GSMA Intelligence surveyed more than 580 enterprises across 10 sectors in five ASEAN countries to gain insight into their digital transformation.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics