Port of Tyne & Nissan Back 5G Rollout in UK’s North East
The UK’s North East 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) has secured an additional US$2.5m in government funding, bringing the total investment to US$7.4m.
Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the programme’s 12-month extension positions the region as a critical hub for advanced wireless connectivity in the UK.
The investment follows a successful initial funding round of US$4.9m in November 2023. It affirms the North East’s leadership in deploying next-generation telecommunications solutions that foster regional growth and technological advancement.
A strategic regional collaboration
Headed by Sunderland City Council, a recognised leader in digital connectivity, the successful funding bid reflects a region-wide commitment to innovation.
The Council closely partnered with the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and key stakeholders to secure the extended support. The North East is one of seven designated 5G Innovation Regions nationwide to receive this follow-on investment.
Patrick Melia, chief executive at Sunderland City Council and digital lead for NECA, commented: “This additional funding is a huge boost for our region and a testament to the incredible work already underway to harness 5G technology for economic and social benefit.
"The North East is leading the way in digital transformation. The investment will ensure we continue to drive cutting-edge innovation that makes a tangible difference to businesses, communities and residents.”
Recognition at the national level follows the region’s early success. The 5GIR programme received the Place-Based Impact Award at the Future Networks Awards, celebrating its ability to deliver commercially and socially impactful use cases of 5G.
The award reflects the North East’s effectiveness in deploying real-world connectivity applications that can scale across industries.
Unlocking value across key sectors
The 5GIR programme is already delivering operational value through four strategic projects. The initiatives have not only showcased the versatility of 5G technology but have created scalable models for commercial application across the UK and beyond:
Smart Port: digitalising maritime operations: At the Port of Tyne, the 5GIR team is expanding smart port applications through enhanced video analytics, real-time safety systems and data-driven automation.
The solutions are streamlining port operations and demonstrating replicable efficiencies for the logistics, transport and supply chain industries.
Connected intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) - revolutionising transport networks: By creating seamless digital corridors between key industrial hubs, including the Nissan manufacturing site and the Port of Tyne, the C-ITS project is laying the groundwork for future autonomous transport solutions.
The result is improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact and enhanced logistics integration across the regional economy.
Creative industries - powering immersive experiences: Utilising 5G for live event production, immersive 360° content and augmented audience engagement, the project is positioning the North East’s creative sector as a significant draw for tourism and media investment.
High-speed connectivity is enabling more dynamic storytelling and live broadcasting opportunities.
AgriTech - enabling smart, sustainable farming: In the rural sector, deploying 5G-enabled soil and methane sensors transforms agricultural practices.
The AgriTech initiative supports more sustainable and productive farming by enabling real-time data capture and environmental monitoring, focusing on scalable commercial adoption.
A national centre of excellence for advanced connectivity
The North East’s commitment to digital innovation creates a robust foundation for future growth.
By deploying advanced wireless technology at scale, the region establishes itself as a national centre of excellence for 5G deployment, driving adoption across diverse sectors and supporting the UK’s wider ambitions for a digitally inclusive economy.
With strong public-private collaboration, national recognition and now extended investment, the North East is not only embracing the potential of 5G, it is actively shaping the UK’s digital future.
Expanding the 5GIR programme promises continued momentum, pushing forward the boundaries of what next-generation connectivity can deliver for businesses, industries and communities.
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