The services based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have started to be used in many countries but not on a large scale yet. The paper describes the present status of UAV services and a concept of a solution for large-scale deployment of safe and reliable UAV services that use the 5G network for communication with UAVs. Based on the Standards Developing Organizations and related industry fora activities, unmanned traffic and airspace regulations, especially the commonly supported concept of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM), UAV-related communication requirements and 5G System (5GS) features, we have developed an alternative approach to the integration of UAV and 5GS. The proposed concept includes a set of enablers that can be provided by Mobile Network Operators in order to not only support but also leverage UAV services. As work on many items is still in progress, we identify a list of open issues and challenges and present them at the end of the paper with the main focus on the MNO–UTM provider relationship and safe flights.

In the past few years, UAVs have evolved considerably towards real-world applications, going beyond entertaining activities. The unique features that UAVs can provide, such as flexible and easy deployment, high mobility, and mostly autonomous operation, tend to be appealing solutions in a wide variety of applications. With the number of UAVs expected to increase significantly in the forthcoming years, it is deemed mandatory to integrate innovative features of communication technologies in order to tackle several limitations and challenges that exist to date. To this end, the amalgamation of UAVs and 5G cellular networks is an auspicious solution in order to realise the full potential that the UAVs can provide as well as to effectively open up new fields of applications. The unique features that 5G cellular networks offer are utilised for supporting and providing reliable and secure UAV command and control. This chapter provides an overview of the 5G technology to support communication services for the UAV ecosystem.