Verizon and Nokia are set to revolutionize UK logistics and manufacturing sectors with the deployment of six private 5G networks across strategic sites at Thames Freeport. This ambitious project covers 1,700 acres and spans Port of Tilbury, London Gateway, and Ford’s Dagenham plant. Using the 3.8-4.2 GHz spectrum, the networks will support cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT.
Port of Tilbury, London’s main shipping hub, will benefit from two networks, enhancing its logistics capabilities. Similarly, DP World London Gateway, known as the UK’s largest and most integrated logistics facility, will also receive two networks, supporting operations at its deep-water terminal and logistics park. Over at Ford’s Dagenham plant, the largest manufacturing site in London, a private 5G network will optimize manufacturing processes.
This multimillion-dollar deal highlights Verizon Business’s expertise, as it joins forces with Nokia to provide state-of-the-art 5G solutions. This strategic arrangement is a testament to Verizon’s ability to secure high-profile international contracts, continuing their collaboration on foreign ports initiated in 2021.
The project is promising a robust setup with approximately 80 private 5G radios and a synchronized network over three core locations. All networks will be based on 5G, excluding older technology like LTE/4G. Nokia will furnish its Digital Automation Cloud core network system. Jennifer Artley, Verizon Business’s senior vice president of ‘5G acceleration’, emphasizes the project’s forward-thinking goals: “5G supports its immediate needs, and also provides flexibility to grow.”
The absence of other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or LoRaWAN indicates the project’s commitment to highly specialized private networks. There’s an opportunity for future scalability as applications evolve post-deployment.
From a corporate standpoint, this venture is significant for Verizon Business and Nokia. Their collaboration at the Port of Southampton variously impressed their UK competition. Nokia’s extensive history in port logistics bolsters its position as a reliable partner in such substantial projects. Artley comments: “Our partnership… shows the full promise of private 5G at scale.”
The Thames Freeport project is not just about operational improvements; it aims to stimulate local trade and innovation, with economic benefits cascading to communities in London and neighboring boroughs. Martin Whiteley, the chief executive at Thames Freeport, notes, “Our investment in private 5G is not an incremental network upgrade – it is the backbone of a technological transformation.”
Moving forward, stakeholders are eager to embrace an array of use cases. These include autonomous vehicle controls, enhanced logistics orchestration, IoT for environmental monitoring, and a robust R&D initiative. David de Lancellotti from Nokia adds, “This network will allow advanced use cases such as AI-driven data analytics… and real-time logistics orchestration.”