In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in what is termed the "low-altitude economy," a sector projected to experience significant growth in 2024. This emerging domain is characterized by the use of low-flying aircraft, drones, and various aerial technologies that serve both commercial and logistical purposesAs policymakers and industry pioneers come together, the year 2024 is being heralded as potentially the inception of this economic transformationHowever, the momentum of progress hinges on developing vital infrastructure that supports these aerial advancements, as well as a robust regulatory framework that ensures safety and efficacy.

The low-altitude economy differs from traditional ground-based operations, primarily affecting how communications and transport technologies functionIt necessitates that the telecommunications industry reorient its focus to include the aerial domain

Additionally, the safety and security of aerial operations present unique challenges that must be addressed to ensure public trust and regulatory compliance.

Cui Yijun, the director of the Wireless Future Lab at ZTE Corporation, recently spoke with reporters regarding the interconnectedness of policy, application, and technology as the trinity needed to expedite the development of the low-altitude economyTo effectively transition to this new economic paradigm, a multi-faceted approach is required—one that not only prioritizes cutting-edge technologies but also ensures that these technologies are integrated into a cohesive operational framework.

The progression toward a successful low-altitude economy is generally viewed as a three-stage processFirst, it involves digitizing the entire scope of airspace to increase accessibilityOnce established, the next phase is ensuring that the airborne information is computable, followed by the ultimate objective of operationalizing these aerial resources efficiently

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Cui emphasizes that this represents a significant evolution in transportation, moving from a two-dimensional framework rooted in terrestrial logistics to a three-dimensional spatial dynamic that allows for more immediate and efficient transport options.

A crucial aspect of fostering a thriving low-altitude economy is the collaborative effort across various segments of the industryStakeholders agree that joint initiatives among multiple players—from aircraft manufacturers to regulatory bodies—are essential for realizing this visionThis commitment to collaboration extends from the design and production of aerial vehicles to the establishment of a comprehensive infrastructure that can support diverse aerial operations.

Taking an example from the international arena, Joby Aviation, a leader in the aerial mobility sector, does not just see itself as a manufacturer of aircraft but also as an operator of air taxi services

This company has taken substantial steps to advance the necessary infrastructure, such as collaborating with partners to develop essential charging stations for its fleetSuch initiatives illustrate the multi-dimensional investment required to support and operationalize the low-altitude economy effectively.

From the technological perspective, ZTE's Zhao Zhiyong pointed out that their role as an information communication equipment provider intersects closely with this emerging marketZTE aims to develop a comprehensive infrastructure that spans the entire ecosystem of low-altitude operations, encompassing everything from base stations and networks to monitoring and navigation systemsThis approach will leverage synergies within the industry to foster growth in this expansive economic arena, which predicts a trillion-dollar market potential.

The concept of low-altitude airspace has long existed, albeit underutilized due to regulatory constraints and the lack of technological support

Traditional means of mapping and managing this airspace have been inadequate; however, advancements in digital technologies are changing this dynamicBy integrating communications, radar, optical sensors, satellite monitoring, and digital twin technologies, we can fundamentally reshape how low-altitude airspace is characterized, leading to its comprehensive digitization.

Within this framework, extensive data analytics will enable scalable, safe, and efficient low-altitude activities, opening avenues for economic valuation and operational authorization in previously inaccessible airspaceYet, for this economic landscape to thrive, there is a need for a synergistic relationship between policy, application, and technologyAccording to Cui, government policy has been crucial in advancing the low-altitude economy since its conceptualization began in 2021. Over the last few years, numerous provinces have included low-altitude economic plans in their governmental work reports, outlining various initiatives and frameworks for implementation.

On the technological front, the progress in drone technologies and green energy innovations is pivotal

Low-altitude smart networking technologies, such as Beidou + RTK navigation and millimeter-wave radar, have been steadily incorporated into commercial practicesThe introduction of 5G-A technology promises enhanced capabilities while ensuring the safety and efficiency of aerial operations.

Fundamentally, low-altitude smart networking consists of two primary dimensions: low-altitude communication and low-altitude perceptionThe communication aspect focuses on achieving high uplink speeds, continuous coverage, lower latency, and increased reliability; conversely, the perception aspect strives for high-precision, across-the-board situational awarenessAddressing these core requirements is critical for realizing a secure and fully managed low-altitude airspace that can accommodate diverse applications.

The potential to fully harness the low-altitude economy depends on developing a framework that enables real-time monitoring and traceability of aerial operations

Companies in this space must identify profitable use cases to ensure functional business models that can create a full commercial cycle.

One of the most promising enabling technologies driving this sector forward is 5G-AUnlike traditional cellular base stations, which primarily cater to ground-level communication, 5G-A can extend connectivity into higher altitudes—up to 600 to 1,000 meters—while incorporating built-in perception capabilities that allow for real-time recognition of drones and aerial vehiclesThis amplification of safety means that the communication network can effectively support low-altitude economic activities.

Cui emphasized that 2024 is not just the year earmarked for the low-altitude economy's ascent but also marks the advent of integrated communication and perception capabilitiesZTE is actively partnering with telecommunications operators to conduct various tests to enhance development and field testing to ensure that their infrastructure meets market needs while accommodating future trends in this evolving landscape.

In terms of practical applications, several cities, including Shenzhen, are already deploying drones for logistics and delivery tasks, demonstrating early-stage commercial applications of the low-altitude economy

ZTE has collaborated with numerous constituents across nearly 25 provinces, implementing over 80 pilot projects focusing on logistics, safety, and other diversified service sectors.

The logistics sector, along with eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft for passenger transport, shows significant potential for growthBy mapping out different altitude segments for various functionalities—like parcel delivery below 100 meters by companies like Meituan, medium-sized deliveries around 300 meters via SF Express, and air taxi services at around 600 meters—the landscape for low-altitude operations is being strategically crafted.

To achieve efficient traction in the low-altitude economy, stakeholders must define clear business scenarios to catalyze its momentumThe successful integration of these components could very well herald a new economic era, driven by aerial capabilities that reshuffle our conventional notions of transport and logistics.