UK telco Virgin Media O2 has developed a 5G-connected drone to support search and rescue teams in remote areas.

In an announcement, the company revealed that the Warwickshire Search and Rescue team is the first to trial the new technology.

According to Virgin Media O2, the drone can be rapidly deployed in remote areas by the search and rescue team, and acts as an airborne mobile phone mast.

The solution provides 5G connectivity via a network of low-earth orbit satellites.

With the drone, the rescue team can communicate data and gauge precise location information.

Warwickshire Search and Rescue is an operational Lowland Rescue team set up to assist the police with searches for vulnerable missing persons within Warwickshire and beyond.

Last year the team responded to 65 callouts, a number which has already been matched this year.

"This new solution from Virgin Media O2 will help the team on these missions and ultimately save many lives," said Councilor Andy Crump, portfolio holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety at Warwickshire County Council.

"It is further evidence of the positive impact improved connectivity can have upon our society.”