Vodafone Group publicised details of a trial employing drones for deliveries which involved working with dedicated company Manna Air Delivery to pilot a craft over a distance of 2km.

A test conducted in the Republic of Ireland employed Vodafone’s 4G network to connect a delivery drone and enable piloting beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS).

The ability to fly drones further than the pilot can see increases the potential of the aircraft for home delivery purposes, Vodafone stated.

Vodafone added the test complements its research into how mobile networks can connect multiple drones at a time when significant growth in the number of commercial aircraft is anticipated.

Manna Drone Delivery CTO Alan Hicks said being able to track and identify drones using mobile connectivity “enhances our secure systems for last mile delivery”.

The test was the latest involving the operator, which is exploring options to employ drones for “urban deliveries, healthcare logistics or remote land surveys” throughout Europe, Vodafone Business project lead Anthony Chen explained.

Vodafone stated a long-term target is to connect a far-range air traffic management system to connect rising numbers of BVLOS drones, providing two-way communication to the aircraft to prevent collisions.