Boldyn Networks will design and build four high-bandwidth private 5G networks across two food agricultural growing sites and colleges in West Sussex.
The networks, which will launch in Q1 2025, will be used to pilot technologies such as automation and real-time remote control and monitoring.
The initiative will co-develop foundational 5G use cases, testing technologies including sensors, drones and cameras to improve farming practices and promote sustainable food production.
The announcement marks the next phase of the Growing Sussex 5G Innovation Region, a project aimed at driving sustainable food and drink productivity through 5G technology. From autonomous tractors to advanced drones, the project aims to trial new innovations across the region’s agriculture sector, to increase the uptake of 5G technology in growing practices across the country, to improve productivity, yields and profitability. By fostering the development of thought leaders, managers and data analysts, the project will open new career paths in the sector.
The project, a consortium of West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Growers, Brighton University, education centres and commercial producers, secured £3.8 million in funding from government's Department of Science, Innovation and Technology as part of its 5G Innovation Regions programme.
Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for digital infrastructure, said, “Sussex provides a fertile environment for sustainable food and drink production, aligning with the government’s food strategy. By placing education at the core, we are equipping the workforce with digital skills to utilise modern technology across fields, farms, and vineyards. This approach not only supports local job creation in our key sectors but also broadens employment opportunities for students and workers, encouraging more to consider careers in horticulture, agriculture, and viticulture.”
The West Sussex horticulture sector generates £1 billion in annual sales and employs 10,000 full-time employees. Recognising agriculture is a cornerstone of this region, this project will drive the industry’s expansion with greater job security and enhanced productivity.
Rachael Williams, of West Sussex Growers’ Association, said, “5G will be a game-changer for growers across the region. It has the potential to give growers the tools to further improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of growing practices. Through leveraging Boldyn Network’s technology – increased automation will provide better quality and timely data to enable improved decision-making to increase yields and productivity of home-grown fresh produce here in West Sussex. This project also has education at its heart, working together with our local colleges to update curriculums. Our aim is to develop the local workforce with the essential skills needed for commercial horticulture.
Fionnuala Furmston, country manager UK, private networks Europe at Boldyn Networks, said, “From increasing productivity to equipping the next generation of agricultural workers with the essential digital skills they need to thrive in this evolving landscape. We’re committed to helping shape the future of farming with the support of private 5G networks to accelerate a new era for agriculture. By integrating cutting edge technologies and enabling key use cases, we’re excited to transform the agricultural industry and help boost the West Sussex economy.
“Furthermore, the project will establish a replicable model for 5G adoption in growing sectors across the UK. By enabling British growers to produce food and drink more efficiently and sustainably, it aligns perfectly with the current UK food strategy.”
Paul Rolfe, associate principal (employers and stakeholders) at Chichester College Group, said, "We look forward to the impact digital connectivity, including 5G, will have on agriculture and the future leaders of the industry, like the students at Brinsbury College. Technologies such as real-time data, precision studies, and AI will drive a sustainable food revolution that goes beyond improving food and wine production.
“As part of the Growing Sussex Innovation Region, we are committed to leading change and equipping future generations with the digital skills they need for success. Through new qualifications in agriculture and land management, we are proud to develop a workforce ready to shape the future of farming in the UK and globally."