AT&T Testing 'Flying COW' Drones to Enhance Cell Coverage

A cell phone carrier fixing its dead zones? When cows fly, perhaps. Well, "flying COWs" just might be how AT&T enhances coverage in notorious troublesome areas of reception, BGR reported, as reprinted by the New York Post.

COW stands for "cell on wings," which is the name for the four-propeller drones carrying technology to extend cellular coverage like a stationary cell tower does – albeit versatilely to areas affected by outages, according to the report.

AT&T announced a drone program last July and a recent single "flying COW" test showed the drone can provide coverage for 40 square miles, according to the company. Also, per AT&T, the drone can be continuously powered to fly while "tethered to a vehicle-based ground station."

The technology is intended to be used only where needed, per the report.

"AT&T plans on using them to restore communications in areas affected by natural disasters and to provide extra coverage at popular venues like concerts and sporting events, where the sheer number of people can cause headaches," according to the Post.

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