Verizon partners with Nokia to deploy large private 5G network in the UK
Nokia and Verizon Business are collaborating to deploy a private 5G network across the Thames Freeport, a major UK industrial cluster including the Port of Tilbury and Ford Dagenham. This project is one of the UK’s largest private 5G deployments. It aims to modernize operations, boost efficiency, and drive economic growth in the region. The Thames Freeport, a 34 km-wide economic corridor, is the site of the deployment. This includes major industrial sites like the Port of Tilbury, Ford Dagenham, and DP World London Gateway. The deployment will cover 1,700 acres across multiple industrial sites within the Freeport.
Nokia will be the sole hardware and software provider, utilizing its Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) solutions.
This private 5G network will enable advanced use cases like AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control, and real-time logistics orchestration, according to Telecoms Tech News. The network is expected to modernize port operations, improve cargo handling, and enhance overall efficiency in the Freeport. The project also aims to boost the local economy, support job creation and training, and foster innovation and R&D collaborations.
Verizon and Nokia win a Thames Freeport private 5G deal. (Art by midJourney for Fierce Network)
“Band 77 in the U.K. is available at low cost on a local-area licensed basis — enterprises can readily get access to exclusive use mid-band spectrum in the 3.8-4.2 GHz range. The U.K. regulator, Ofcom, has pioneered this model globally,” said Heavy Reading Senior Principal Analyst for Mobile Networks Gabriel Brown in an email to Fierce Network. Brown noted that though it is based in the U.S., Verizon has an established smart ports business in the U.K., with the Port of Southhampton one of its private 5G network clients. He added the operator also has an ongoing relationship with Nokia around private 5G. “This new win shows advanced wireless technologies can scale to support nationally critical infrastructure with diverse stakeholders and use cases,” Brown said.
“To date, over 530 licenses have been issued to more than 90 licensees in this frequency range,” said SNS Telecom & IT 5G research director Asad Khan.
Verizon Business has been working on building its ports business for a while now, having already scored the aforementioned Southampton deal in April 2021. And its efforts appear to be paying off.
“I know there’s been chatter about how Verizon Business was able to outbid domestic carriers,” AvidThink Principal Roy Chua stated. “It’s likely some combination of demonstrated expertise in rolling out similar deployments and favorable financial terms. Definitely a win for Verizon Business (and Nokia) for sure.”
References:
https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/verizon-and-nokia-win-one-largest-private-5g-projects-uk
