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UK risks falling behind in AI race without faster telecoms upgrades, say executives
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The United Kingdom risks falling behind in the global artificial intelligence race due to insufficient upgrades to its telecommunications infrastructure, senior industry executives have warned. While the AI competition has largely focused on building datacenters, the necessary broadband and mobile networks to handle the surge in AI-generated traffic are lagging behind rival nations. This gap threatens to hinder the UK's ability to fully adopt and benefit from AI technologies.
The challenge extends beyond the well-documented need for datacenters with vast water and energy supplies. As AI use becomes widespread, the UK's networks must carry an immense volume of traffic from consumers and businesses. The country has improved its previously slow broadband speeds with full-fibre rollouts, but progress on 5G mobile networks is not keeping pace. A recent report by Which? found UK mobile coverage is worse than in any EU member state or other G7 country.
According to analysis cited in the report, the UK ranks 57th globally for network performance, 70th for download speeds, and 55th for reliable quality needed for activities like video calls. Andrea Donà, networks director at VodafoneThree, expressed embarrassment at the current network quality. He warned that the signal loss experienced at large events like concerts or sports matches could become a constant experience in an AI-driven world due to the additional capacity required.
Another senior executive stated that while the AI-connectivity issue is currently nascent, it will become a "national competitiveness issue" similar to the slow full-fibre rollout. The real impact is expected within two to three years when AI is integrated into everyday devices. At that point, both AI companies and governments will realize networks are holding back progress.
Major operators are investing heavily in 5G standalone technology, with VodafoneThree committing £11 billion for mast upgrades. However, the industry is hampered by planning delays. Donà noted that 96% of the company's upgrades involve existing sites, with over half requiring planning permission, a process criticized as lengthy and bureaucratic. He suggested planning reform would be a low-cost growth policy for the government.
Operators also argue for fair treatment, noting that while their networks are critical national infrastructure, they do not receive the same business rates and energy reliefs as datacentres and utilities. Without faster telecoms upgrades and regulatory reforms, executives fear the UK could become a laggard in the AI race, missing out on the economic benefits of the technology.
