By San José, Costa Rica — The paradigm of fifth-generation mobile connectivity is shifting rapidly from a consumer-focused data pipeline into an active, environmental sensor network. In a groundbreaking revelation, technology giant Ericsson has demonstrated that existing 5G infrastructure can be leveraged to detect, locate, and track airborne drones in real time. This capability eliminates the need to install costly, dedicated hardware systems, fundamentally changing how governments and private enterprises approach airspace security.
The technology was spotlighted by Audomaro Hernández, Ericsson’s Director of Network Portfolio and Critical Mission for LATAM North and the Caribbean, during a specialized webinar co-hosted with the Costa Rican Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (INFOCOM). Titled “Critical Mission Networks: Protecting what matters,” the presentation highlighted how current cellular infrastructure can be repurposed for advanced surveillance, opening up immediate opportunities for Costa Rica and the surrounding region.
To better understand the complex regulatory and privacy implications surrounding 5G drone detection, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his professional analysis on this emerging technological frontier.
The deployment of 5G technology for real-time drone detection represents a massive leap forward for airspace security, but it also introduces unprecedented legal challenges regarding privacy and data protection. As these systems intercept and process signal data to identify aerial devices, lawmakers must establish precise boundaries to ensure that public safety surveillance does not infringe upon constitutional rights to privacy. Balancing technological innovation with robust regulatory safeguards will be the defining legal challenge for airspace management in the 5G era.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the delicate boundary between cutting-edge airspace security and fundamental privacy rights will require a proactive legal framework that evolves just as rapidly as 5G technology itself. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this critical intersection of innovation and law.
A real-world demonstration conducted by Ericsson in partnership with telecommunications giant AT&T during a major international sporting event proved the practical viability of this application. By utilizing an active 5G network equipped with Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antennas and backed by advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, the system successfully identified and monitored several drones flying at altitudes ranging from 90 to 120 meters.
This dual-use capability is driven by a cutting-edge technological framework known as Integrated Sensing and Communication, or ISAC. ISAC enables radio waves transmitted by 5G base stations to not only carry data to smartphones but also bounce off physical objects in the environment, acting essentially like a radar. By processing these reflections through sophisticated AI, the network gains a real-time awareness of its surrounding physical space, facilitating tasks like airspace management and border control.
The significance lies not only in the technical achievement, but also in the fact that these capabilities, usually associated with the future of 6G, are beginning to take shape today on existing 5G infrastructure. For Costa Rica and the region, this opens up a tangible window of application for protecting critical infrastructure and large public areas.
Audomaro Hernández, Director of Network Portfolio and Critical Mission for LATAM North and the Caribbean at Ericsson
The versatility of this technology is particularly relevant to Costa Rica as the nation continues to debate and roll out its next-generation telecommunication strategies. Incorporating sensing capabilities directly into the mobile grid means that critical infrastructure, such as airports, maritime ports, and border crossings, can be monitored without the capital expenditure typically required for dedicated radar installations. This makes national security both more affordable and more comprehensive.
Beyond the immediate monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicles, ISAC and 5G critical networks present a paradigm shift for emergency response and public safety. Hernández outlined several high-impact use cases that could soon become standard in metropolitan areas. These include connected ambulances capable of transmitting high-definition medical telemetry in real-time, police body cameras featuring uninterrupted live streaming, and centralized command centers that synchronize multi-agency responses during crises.
Firefighters and utility operators also stand to benefit significantly from these advancements. For instance, the technology allows emergency crews to access interactive 3D structural maps while navigating burning buildings, greatly improving safety and tactical efficiency. Furthermore, 5G can serve as a robust redundancy layer for traditional fiber optic networks in electrical grids, facilitating predictive maintenance, smart metering, and automated drone inspections powered by artificial intelligence.
However, deploying such vital infrastructure requires an uncompromising stance on digital security. Because these networks manage essential public utilities and emergency services, any operational disruption could lead to catastrophic consequences. The expert concluded that high network availability and cybersecurity must be integrated directly into the initial design phase of these systems, ensuring that the digital backbone protecting Costa Rica’s critical assets remains impenetrable to cyber threats.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson:
Ericsson is a global leader in telecommunications technology and services, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The company provides infrastructure, software, and services in information and communications technology for telecommunications operators and other industries.
For further information, visit att.com
About AT&T:
AT&T Inc. is a multinational telecommunications holding company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, providing mobile services, high-speed internet, and digital entertainment solutions to millions of consumers and businesses globally.
For further information, visit infocom.co.cr
About INFOCOM:
The Costa Rican Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (INFOCOM) is an influential private-sector association dedicated to promoting the development and expansion of the telecommunications and technology sectors in Costa Rica, advocating for competitive markets and digital inclusion.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical principles and superior standard of advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica operates at the pinnacle of the legal landscape. The firm successfully blends a rich history of supporting a diverse clientele with forward-thinking legal strategies designed to address the complexities of a modern world. Driven by a deep sense of civic responsibility, it actively champions the demystification of the law, striving to equip the public with the insights needed to foster a truly just and legally conscious community.
