Verizon wins private 5G contract for UK’s Thames Freeport

Verizon has won a contract to rollout its private 5G networks across several of Thames Freeport’s key logistics, manufacturing and innovation sites.

Thames Freeport is a special regeneration project along the River Thames comprising the Thames Estuary in the UK. The initiative was launched in 2021 by DP World, Forth Ports and Ford Motor Company as part of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to stimulate trade, innovation, and regional regeneration.

The deal, signed in partnership with Nokia, will see Verizon’s deploy private 5G networks to provide the area’s technology foundation in a multi-year, multi-billion dollar operational transformation and economic revitalisation of the region.

Verizon’s private 5G networks will be delivered to the UK’s largest deep-sea container port and logistics hub DP World London Gateway and DP World Logistics Park; London’s largest manufacturing site Ford Dagenham; and the largest of the Thames Freeport ports, the Port of Tilbury.

The network infrastructure will aim to provide a scalable, long-term connectivity foundation for the deployment of advanced data, AI, edge computing and IoT infrastructure to boost process automation, autonomous vehicle control, security monitoring and real-time logistics orchestration.

For example, industrial sites will be able to leverage IoT for autonomous yard tractors and quay cranes and for near real-time tracking, smart routing, and condition monitoring for cargo.

Nokia will be the sole supplier of hardware and software for the networks, which will incorporate the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform and Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE).

Verizon stated that the initiative seeks to boost the local economy by supporting training and retraining efforts as part of employment initiatives and by supporting innovation and research and development collaborations between Freeport tenants and external business, government and research organisations.

Jennifer Artley, SVP, 5G Acceleration at Verizon Business emphasised the partnership with Thames Freeport and Nokia shows the “full promise” of private 5G at scale.

“We’re not just driving operational improvements to help a partner stay ahead of the curve; we’re laying the groundwork for new revenue streams, community development, and further commercial and technological investment.”

David de Lancellotti, VP of enterprise campus edge sales at Nokia added: “Together with Verizon Business, we’re proud to be enabling the infrastructure that will help Thames Freeport drive new efficiencies, sustainable growth, and long-term economic opportunity for the region.”

In 2024, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 according to the firm.