Ooredoo Qatar, Ericsson, Eonetics, Hikvision and GSMA Fusion to demonstrate 5G Aerial Deployable technology for emergency response at MWC Doha

Doha, Qatar, November 2026: Ooredoo Qatar, Ericsson, Eonetics, Hikvision and GSMA Fusion will come together at MWC Doha 2026 to demonstrate how advanced mobile connectivity can support emergency services with rapidly deployable network infrastructure, reliable communications and live operational intelligence.

The demonstration, titled 5G Connectivity for Emergency Response, will connect Eonetics' Australian-engineered tethered drone operating in Melbourne with the GSMA Pavilion in Doha, more than 12,000 kilometres away. Carrying Ericsson 5G telecommunications equipment and a camera, the drone will transmit live imagery, with visitors in Doha able to remotely control the camera through Eonetics' Eon Command Centre software.

The drone will also showcase 5G Aerial Deployable technology, using Eonetics' Cell on Wings platform to elevate mobile network equipment and provide temporary coverage where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable, damaged or insufficient. Combining mobile connectivity with aerial observation offers potential applications across natural disasters, wildfires, search and rescue, and major incidents.

In Doha, Ooredoo Qatar, Ericsson and Hikvision will demonstrate how 5G network slicing can support high-quality video streaming and more predictable network performance for critical applications, particularly during periods of congestion.

The collaboration brings together complementary capabilities across the mobile ecosystem, with Eonetics operating the live drone system in Melbourne, Ooredoo Qatar, Ericsson and Hikvision supporting the Doha demonstrations, and GSMA Fusion coordinating the partners around the operational requirements of first responders.

Thani Ali Al Malki, Chief Strategy and Digital Transformation Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, said: 
"The true potential of the 5G+ mobile network is in how its capabilities can be applied to solve real-world challenges. In mission-critical situations, rapidly deployable and reliable connectivity can help extend communications to where they are needed and support applications that depend on timely access to information. By collaborating with Ericsson, Eonetics, Hikvision and GSMA Fusion, we are bringing together complementary capabilities to explore how the 5G+ network can enable new solutions for emergency response and other demanding environments.”

Beau Damon, Principal Product Manager at Eonetics, said: 
“Eonetics engineers portable towers that fly, integrating telecommunications, camera and sensor technology with our Australian-made tethered drones. Our Eon Command Centre software brings it all together in one secure system, letting teams plan coverage, monitor and control our platforms from anywhere in the world.

Petra Schirren, President of Ericsson Gulf Region, said: 
“In emergency situations, every second counts, and reliable connectivity can make a critical difference in how quickly and effectively first responders act. This demonstration shows how the power of 5G goes beyond traditional connectivity, combining network slicing, real-time intelligence and rapidly deployable network capabilities to support emergency teams when and where they need it most.

Barney Stinton, Aviation, GSMA Fusion, said:
“Emergency response is exactly the kind of environment where connectivity really matters. First responders need information quickly, they need to know they can rely on the network and in some situations they may need connectivity established in places where there simply isn't any.

“What's exciting is that we're not just demonstrating how to get a better picture of an emergency, but how to restore the connectivity needed to respond to it. Those are two very different challenges, and we're showing how mobile technology could help address both.

“This is a great example of what can happen when mobile operators, technology companies and enterprises work together around a real operational requirement rather than starting with the technology.”

The demonstration will take place at the GSMA Pavilion during MWC Doha 2026, from 8 to 10 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

ENDS

About the demonstration

5G Connectivity for Emergency Response is a collaborative demonstration involving Ooredoo Qatar, Ericsson, Eonetics, Hikvision and GSMA Fusion.

It forms part of GSMA's Open Gateway and Fusion activities at MWC Doha 2026, bringing together mobile operators, technology providers and enterprises to explore how advanced network capabilities can address real-world industry requirements.