Drone → nearby radio+Network
Internet → service=Hybrid
Both paths
Does the aircraft need mobile coverage?
The Direct RID broadcast itself does not need internet. That is a different question from whether a particular controller, app or map needs connectivity for its own functions. Check the product documentation for the whole setup.
A connected receiver does not redefine the aircraft.
A receiver may hear a local broadcast and forward an observation to an online map. The receiver’s internet connection does not mean the drone is itself running Network or Hybrid RID.
What to ask about a “network-ready” product
Ask which part connects to the internet, what happens when connectivity is lost, and which actual UK requirement the feature is intended to satisfy. Separate a manufacturer’s planned features from functions available in the firmware you can use now.
Keep the policy timeline clear.
Do not read a long-term preference as a new universal connection requirement or a reason to disable Direct RID. Use the current timetable for the immediate obligation and the programme source below for policy direction.
Sources & review.
Official guidance behind this answer
Source review: 26 October 2026. Our practical checklists are editorial aids. Check the current source and your operation’s conditions before making a flying decision.