NextNav Inc. has joined GSMA and industry partners to establish a framework for safe, trusted, and scalable drone operations. The collaboration aims to integrate mobile networks and programmable capabilities into the drone ecosystem to support the expanding market. This initiative addresses the growing need for secure low-altitude aviation as governments and aviation authorities accelerate work on advanced drone systems.

The Joint Requirements Statement, developed through the GSMA Fusion initiative, outlines how mobile networks can evolve to enable trusted low-altitude aviation. Key capabilities include secure positioning, geolocation, and resilient multi-layer connectivity through terrestrial networks. The statement highlights the urgency for industry alignment to support beyond visual line of sight operations, drone first responder programs, and future passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft.

Deepak Joseph, Vice President of Product Management at NextNav, emphasized the importance of resilient 3D Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology. He stated that accurate 3D PNT enabled by mobile networks is critical for airspace safety. NextNav aims to deliver widescale horizontal and vertical location information to support unmanned aircraft systems in the commercial market.

NextNav brings nearly 20 years of PNT technology development to the partnership. The company recently filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of American drone dominance objectives. The filing detailed the role of NextNav's 5G-powered 3D PNT and sensing solutions in safe unmanned aircraft systems operations.

Barney Stinton, Market Development Lead for Aviation at GSMA Fusion, noted that the drone market is scaling faster than current airspace frameworks were designed for. He described the Joint Requirements Statement as a signal that mobile networks have a major role to play in supporting interoperable drone operations at scale. NextNav will continue collaborating with aviation stakeholders, operators, regulators, and standards bodies to advance these initiatives.

Key Collaboration Details

NextNav Inc Chief Financial Officer Tim Gray is set to participate in the TD Cowen Disruptive Technology Summit, scheduled for June 17, 2026, in New York, NY. The summit serves as a key venue for the company to engage with investors and discuss its next-generation terrestrial Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions.

The company specializes in 3D geolocation and holds the nation's largest license in a spectrum band designated for terrestrial positioning services. NextNav aims to provide a terrestrial complement and backup to GPS, leveraging licensed low-band spectrum and the global 5G ecosystem.

Strategic Focus

NextNav's technology is designed to deliver accurate, reliable, and resilient 3D PNT solutions. The company focuses on protecting national security, public safety, and the economy through its offerings.

Investor Engagement

Investors and analysts interested in meeting with NextNav management during the summit are encouraged to contact their TD Cowen representative to schedule a session.