Drone Racing League Announces Partnership with T-Mobile

The following information was carried in Sports Pro Media (read original article here):

Drone Racing League (DRL) has partnered with T-Mobile’s US mobile network to advance 5G-powered drone technology.

The multi-year deal, which designates T-Mobile as the DRL’s exclusive US 5G wireless partner, will see the pair work to create the first integrated 5G racing drones, with the aim of building them into the sport.

The DRL will develop the first-of-its-kind custom racing drones during the league’s 2021 Allianz World Championship Season.

T-Mobile, which claims to offer the US’s largest 5G network, will also enable both organisations to stream the DRL’s 3D racing action to fans in real-time, with the drones set to provide further opportunities for new applications across a variety of other industries.

In addition, T-Mobile has made an investment in the DRL through its T-Mobile Ventures fund, which supports early and emerging companies developing transformative 5G products and services.

The DRL’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programme will also receive support from T-Mobile, creating educational programming around 5G and drones to help inspire the next generation of technologists and digital athletes.  

Advertising spots and branded course elements for T-Mobile will also feature as part of the tie-up.

“T-Mobile is one of the most innovative marketers in sports, entertainment and technology - sharing our mission to bring the most immersive experiences to millions of fans around the world,” said DRL president Rachel Jacobson. 

“With a foundation of the best 5G wireless technology to power our racing drones, we’re excited to set the new standard for sports and create cutting-edge content and collaborations across T-Mobile’s sports, music and lifestyle properties.”

Neville Ray, president of technology at T-Mobile, added: “We invested in DRL to fuel innovation in two large and growing markets – drones and tech-powered sports – and we can’t wait to supercharge both with T-Mobile 5G.”