China Telecom's 5G UAV Medical Delivery Network Receives Global Recognition at MWC25

China Telecom and Its Partners Achieve Milestone with 5G UAV Medical Delivery Network

On March 5, 2025, the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC25) witnessed a remarkable achievement as China Telecom, in collaboration with Hangzhou Antwork Network Technology and Zhejiang University, introduced its revolutionary 5G UAV medical delivery network. This innovative solution was honored with the Global Mobile Award (GLOMO Award) for "Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing," marking a significant step toward enhanced healthcare delivery through technology.

The healthcare sector has long faced challenges such as inefficient supply delivery and imbalanced resource distribution across different regions. Understanding these pain points, China Telecom has leveraged advanced technology to create a seamless healthcare delivery system that integrates 5G connectivity with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). By establishing a 5G-A technology framework, the company is now poised to ensure equitable access to medical resources globally.

The key to this setup lies in the integration of 5G-A super terrestrial and aerial technologies, paired with a high-precision medical sensing network. This innovative approach establishes a comprehensive medical corridor that is extensive, responsive, and secure, capable of addressing various medical delivery needs. The system operates using dynamic resource scheduling with smart beamforming in urban environments while utilizing new wide-angle power-sharing smart antennas in less urbanized areas, ensuring maximum coverage and efficiency. This dual-frequency approach considerably enhances communication and delivery efficiency in medical logistics.

With the infrastructure in place, the UAVs are equipped with advanced sensing devices capable of performing various tasks, including flight safety measures like trajectory tracking and electronic fence protection. Additionally, these UAVs can withstand wind speeds of over level five, making them incredibly reliable for transport activities. They also support high-definition video transmission, which is beneficial for real-time monitoring during medical operations.

Currently, this UAV medical delivery solution is being trialed in Zhejiang Province, where it has already begun to show impressive results. Notably, the use of UAVs for blood transport has drastically reduced delivery times compared to traditional ground logistics. This swift transportation is essential not only for emergency blood needs but also for logistical operations requiring efficient replenishment. The rapid response capability of the UAVs facilitates an organized tiered healthcare system, thereby promoting balanced resource allocation across medical services.

The efficacy of this initiative has been underlined by actual flight data demonstrating that a single UAV flight can assist in meeting the emergency blood needs of multiple patients. This innovation not only enhances the urgency and efficiency of medical supply delivery but also significantly benefits remote areas where healthcare resources are scarce.

China Telecom’s success with the 5G UAV medical delivery system exemplifies the powerful integration of terrestrial and aerial technologies within the healthcare sector. This advancement is not merely a technological marvel but is paving the way for a new paradigm in life-saving operations.

Continuing its commitment to progress, China Telecom plans to collaborate with various partners across the industry to tap into the expansive potential of 5G-A for enhancing healthcare services. As the GLOMO Awards celebrate innovations in mobile technology, this recognition serves as a testament to the transformative impact that such advancements can have on the global healthcare landscape. In essence, this initiative endeavors to elevate the overall productivity within vertical industries and contribute qualitatively to the high-quality development of the digital economy.

The Global Mobile Awards, established by GSMA in 1996, are esteemed within the telecommunications field, often likened to the "Oscars of Mobile Communication." These awards commend the innovations and accomplishments of both individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the continually evolving mobile sector, underscoring the remarkable endeavors that drive technological recognition and advancement in diverse industries.