Executives warn UK network delays could hinder AI competitiveness
Telecoms executives have warned that the UK could lose ground in the global AI race if mobile and broadband infrastructure is not upgraded more quickly. They argue that widespread AI use will sharply increase network traffic, making reliable, high-capacity connectivity a national competitiveness issue alongside datacentres, energy and water supplies.
Although full-fibre broadband coverage has improved, the UK’s 5G performance remains comparatively weak: Which? ranked it 57th globally for network performance, 70th for download speeds and 55th for reliability. VodafoneThree plans to invest £11bn in upgrades, largely at existing masts, but says planning requirements delay work; over half of its required upgrades need permission despite 96% being on existing sites.
- Executives warn poor connectivity could hinder UK AI adoption.
- UK mobile coverage trails EU and G7 peers.
- Planning delays are blamed for slowing 5G upgrades.
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Artificial intelligence relies on large amounts of data moving quickly between users, businesses, datacentres and cloud services. As AI tools become more widely used, they are expected to place greater demands on fixed broadband and mobile networks, alongside the electricity and water needed to run datacentres.
The UK’s communications networks are provided by companies including BT, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree, and are regulated by Ofcom. Full-fibre broadband uses fibre-optic cables to offer faster, more reliable connections, while 5G is the latest main generation of mobile network technology.
Network improvements can require new equipment at mobile-phone masts or changes to existing sites, often needing planning permission from local authorities. Supporters of faster upgrades say dependable connectivity is important for businesses developing and using AI, while planning rules are intended to give communities oversight of changes to local infrastructure.
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The case for
Supporters argue that faster network upgrades are essential infrastructure policy, not a narrow telecoms demand. As AI services become more data-intensive and widely used by businesses and public services, weak mobile and broadband capacity could constrain productivity, investment and innovation; reducing unnecessary delays to upgrades at existing sites could help close the UK’s international performance gap while preserving proportionate safeguards.
The case against
Sceptics argue that planning permission and local scrutiny serve legitimate public interests, including visual impact, heritage, safety assurance and residents’ ability to challenge unsuitable development. They may also question whether predicted AI traffic alone justifies loosening rules, since operators have commercial incentives to portray regulation as the main obstacle and should demonstrate clear need, use existing infrastructure efficiently, and pursue upgrades without weakening democratic accountability.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “UK risks falling behind in AI race without faster telecoms upgrades, say executives”.