Telecommunications giant AT&T has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to deploy a drone referred to as Cell on Wings or Flying Cow in Puerto Rico with a view to restoring cellular service following devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. According to the Federal Aviation Administration drone Pulse Vapor 55 works in a similar manner to a cell tower offering internet, data and voice services with the only major difference being that it is suspended in the sky.
The drone covers an area measuring 40 square miles and can fly to a height of 200 feet above ground. Since Hurricane Maria hit the U.S. territory two months ago, Puerto Rico has been struggling to regain full use of communications service. By late last week 39% of cell sites were still not in service according to the Federal Communications Commission.