Vodafone has trialled a suite of next-generation drones that can restore connectivity to malfunctioning mobile masts in a bid to cut network down time.

Backhaul fibre cables linking masts are typically buried in the ground, making them susceptible to damage by mechanical diggers and vandalism. Across Europe, Vodafone on average deals with between 75 and 100 such cable breaks every year.

This suite of drones would be able to create a wireless link between masts when an underground cable is severed.

In a test earlier this month in Spain, Vodafone worked with Google-affiliated firm Taara to demonstrate how two industrial-grade drones equipped with Taara’s light beam terminals could be used to deliver a temporary connection.

In the test, one drone was securely tethered to a mast, and the other to a nearby Vodafone data transport hub. The drones equipped with Taara briefly established a two-way connection over 3km.

In October, the Civil Aviation Authority proposed new rules that would allow...