Ericsson, Play and Asseco trial radio-based drone tracking in Poland
Ericsson worked with Polish operator Play and technology firm Asseco to show how Integrated Sensing and Communication can detect and track unauthorised drones. The system uses reflected radio signals to find drones even when they are not connected to a mobile network, and it combines this with Asseco sound detection and Play network backhaul. The partners say the platform could help protect critical infrastructure and improve airspace awareness.
Ericsson, Polish carrier Play and Asseco staged a Polish trial of ISAC, a radio-sensing approach that identifies drones by capturing signals reflected from nearby objects. The setup can locate and follow a drone even if it is not connected to a cellular network.
The demonstration merged that radio sensing with Asseco’s sound detection, while Play’s network moved the resulting data to Asseco’s PUSZCZYK interface. The partners presented the combination as a way to give operators a clearer view of drone activity and to support protection of critical sites.
For airports, energy sites and other sensitive locations, this kind of combined sensing could add an extra layer of airspace awareness beyond conventional network connectivity. Network operators and infrastructure managers may gain tools to spot and follow unconnected drones, while regulators and the public could face questions about how such monitoring data is governed. The immediate effect is likely limited to trials, but successful deployments may shape how cellular infrastructure is used for security.