Local businesses across West Sussex are poised for a technological boost as Boldyn Networks prepares to roll out a series of private 5G networks designed to revolutionise food and wine production.
The initiative is part of the ‘Growing Sussex 5G Innovation Region’, a project that aims to enhance sustainable food and drink productivity through cutting-edge 5G technology.
The private 5G networks will be deployed across two grower sites and local colleges, with a focus on piloting advanced technologies such as sensors, drones, and cameras. These innovations have the potential to reshape farming practices, fostering a more sustainable and efficient approach to food production. The networks are set to launch in Q1 2025.
“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,” said Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for Digital Infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of integrating education into the project, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the digital skills needed to harness these technologies.
Funded by £3.8 million from the government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the project aims to trial innovations like autonomous tractors and advanced drones. The goal is to increase the adoption of 5G technology across the agricultural sector, enhancing productivity, yields, and profitability not just in West Sussex but across the country.
Rachael Williams from the West Sussex Growers’ Association praised the potential of 5G to elevate growing practices: “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.” She added that the increased automation and data insights enabled by Boldyn Networks’ technology would lead to better decision-making and higher yields.
The West Sussex horticulture sector already generates £1 billion in annual sales and employs 10,000 full-time workers. The introduction of private 5G networks promises to strengthen this sector further, with benefits extending to education and employment. Collaborating with local colleges, the project also aims to update curriculums, preparing the next generation for careers in commercial horticulture.
By leveraging 5G technology, West Sussex is set to become a beacon of sustainable, high-tech food and drink production, potentially serving as a model for other regions across the UK.
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