Equipping a racing drone with an LTE module to transmit first-person perspective video.

KT announced that it demonstrated the world's first LTE module-equipped racing drone at Suwon KT Wiz Park and successfully held the 'KT 5G Drone Racing League' competition.

The LTE Drone Racing Showcase was conducted as part of the "5G-based Realistic Future Service Demonstration Project," which has been conducted since 2017 by KT, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Giga Korea Business Group. Equipped with KT's LTE module, the racing drone, the first of its kind, provides first-person view (FPV) video from the driver's perspective using the LTE network, rather than the existing low-frequency radio frequency method. This allows drivers to race while watching high-definition video with minimal screen tearing, a problem previously raised.

At this event, Korea's top five drone racers piloted LTE drones and navigated obstacles in sequence, demonstrating racing that mirrored real-world racing. The first-person perspective of the racers was also broadcast to Wizpark's large screen, allowing spectators to enjoy the uninterrupted footage.

KT plans to develop a 5G drone that replaces LTE with a 5G module in the future, capable of not only receiving first-person view video but also controlling the drone itself.

Following the LTE drone racing showcase, the 'KT 5G drone racing league' was held in the afternoon. This competition, the first of its kind in Korea, features multiple rounds of competition, rather than a single event. This format is commonly used in international competitions in Europe and the United States. The first league featured a tournament format with 16 invited competitors, with Jeon Je-hyung taking first place, while Son Yeong-rok and Jang Gi-un placed second and third, respectively.

The KT 5G Drone Racing League will be held four times (April, June, August, and September) from April to September. Beginning with the second league, all domestic drone racing athletes will be eligible to participate through pre-registration. The top five athletes ranked overall will be eligible to participate in the World Drone Racing Championship, scheduled to be hosted by KT in the second half of this year.

A KT official stated, "We believe the LTE Drone Racing Showcase has provided a significant opportunity to implement 5G drones. We will continue to host various events at KT Wiz Park, creating opportunities for the public to become even closer to drones."