AT&T and Ericsson test 5G drone tracking at Arlington stadium

Using Massive MIMO radios across multiple sites, the companies created a multi-static sensing configuration that turns standard radio signals into an environmental monitoring tool. During the test, the system successfully identified and tracked multiple drones flying at altitudes between 300 and 400 feet, recording precise data on their velocity, elevation, and path without needing dedicated, standalone radar hardware.

This project serves as a practical blueprint for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). By layering AI-enabled signal processing onto 5G, the companies are positioning network infrastructure to provide more than just data connectivity. According to Yigal Elbaz, AT&T’s Network CTO, this approach aims to support safer venue operations and better logistics for large-scale events, with the ultimate goal of refining these features ahead of the 2028 global sporting event in Los Angeles.