Nokia and Verizon secure deal to provide 5G to UK FTZ
Verizon Business and Nokia recently secured a deal to provide 5G networks to multiple logistics, manufacturing and innovation sites across Thames Freeport.
Thames Freeport will use the operator's private 5G networks to improve port operations with AI-based data analytics, autonomous vehicle control, real-time logistics orchestration and research and development.
Nokia is the hardware and software vendor for the networks, which includes its digital automation cloud (DAC) platform and its on-premises edge computing platform, MX Industrial Edge (MXIE).
A representative for Verizon told Mobile World Live there will be at least three private networks covering as many locations, and some with multiple sites, which could expand as the deployment progresses.
The representative explained the deployment is in early stages and the networks are likely months away from going live.
Verizon noted Thames Freeport is a designated UK free trade zone designed to ramp economic growth in the area while creating high-value jobs and attracting global investments. It is part of a long-term effort to revive the UK's River Thames Estuary region.
The private 5G networks will play a direct role in reviving the local economy by providing job training and reskilling initiatives to foster innovation and R&D collaborations among Freeport tenants and outside corporate, government and research entities.
The project has created 1,400 jobs and plans to reach 5,000 by 2030, with a focus on high-skilled training for the local communities.
Thames Freeport CEO Martin Whiteley stated the investment in private 5G networks is 'the backbone of a technological transformation fuelling our long-term multi-stakeholder mission'.
Thames Freeport and its tenant companies, including Ford, DP World and Forth Ports, will manage the private 5G infrastructure.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Stock Image/Nokia
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