Private 5G networks to power smart food and wine production in West Sussex

The initiative is aiming to co-develop foundational 5G use cases, testing technologies like sensors, drones, and cameras that can ‘revolutionise’ 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 specifically through 5G technology. 

Boldyn Networks will design and build four high-bandwidth private 5G networks across two grower sites and participating colleges, to pilot technologies such as automation and real-time remote control and monitoring. The networks will launch in Q1 2025.

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 and to improve productivity, yields and profitability.

The project – a consortium of West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Growers, Brighton University and commercial producers – has secured £3.8m in funding from the government's Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of its 5G Innovation Regions programme.