Japan to allow 5G access for drones, paving way for high-res video

Sharper images seen aiding disaster relief and infrastructure inspections

20240128N 5G drone

The use of 5G-enabled devices in airspace is currently banned by Japan. (Photo by Masaki Fushii)

SHIKO UEDA and RYUTO IMAO, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- The Japanese government will end the prohibition on drones accessing 5G high-speed wireless communications networks in fiscal 2024, Nikkei has learned, enabling higher-definition images for disaster relief and infrastructure inspections.

With 5G's real-time transmission and reception of large amounts of data, drones would be able to relay 4K high-definition video and other images.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.