In collaboration with Finnish telecom giant Nokia, which will serve as the sole hardware and software provider, Verizon will roll out private 5G infrastructure at multiple strategic sites along the 34-kilometre Thames Estuary. Key beneficiaries include DP World London Gateway, the UK’s largest deep-sea container port, DP World Logistics Park, the Port of Tilbury, and Ford’s Dagenham plant, the automaker’s largest manufacturing site in London.
While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, both companies described the agreement as supporting a "multibillion-dollar operational transformation" for the Thames Freeport region.
Enabling a Smart Industrial Corridor
Unlike public 5G networks, private 5G networks offer dedicated, high-performance connectivity, enabling uninterrupted data flow critical for industrial environments. These networks avoid the congestion issues of public infrastructure and are optimized for advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, and autonomous systems.
Verizon says its private networks will support use cases including:
- AI-powered data analytics
- Predictive maintenance
- Real-time logistics coordination
- Automation of cranes and cargo handling
- Autonomous vehicle control
- Safety monitoring with drones and sensors
Such capabilities are expected to transform how ports and factories manage resources, track assets, and maintain safety in increasingly complex and high-volume operations.
Strategic Importance of Thames Freeport
Launched in 2021, Thames Freeport is a designated UK Free Trade Zone offering tax breaks, customs incentives, and regulatory flexibility to attract investment and stimulate economic regeneration in the Thames Estuary. The region is a key component of the UK government’s post-Brexit industrial strategy.
The integration of private 5G is expected to significantly boost the Freeport's competitiveness, providing a modern digital backbone to support smart logistics, green technologies, and future-ready infrastructure.
Verizon Expands Global Private 5G Footprint
For Verizon, the contract underscores its global ambitions in private network deployment, especially in regions like Europe where it lacks public telecom infrastructure. The U.S. telecom giant has been working closely with Nokia in international markets to deliver private wireless solutions tailored to the needs of manufacturing, logistics, and industrial sectors.
As Europe’s ports race to modernize and adopt smart technologies, Thames Freeport is positioning itself as a model for digital transformation. With Verizon and Nokia’s 5G deployment, the region is poised to become a leading hub for next-generation logistics and industrial innovation.
The rollout also reflects growing global momentum around private 5G as a strategic tool for enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across critical industries.