UK risks falling behind in AI race without faster telecoms upgrades, say executives
Planning delays and slow 5G upgrades could leave the UK unable to cope with a surge in AI-related traffic The UK risks becoming a laggard in the global AI race as crucial telecoms upgrades to harness the technology fall behind rival nations, according to senior industry executives. The infrastructure AI race has centred on the need to build datacentres , and to ensure they have access to the huge…
UK executives warn the nation risks falling behind in the global AI race due to inadequate telecoms upgrades. While the UK has improved its broadband speeds, 5G network upgrades are not keeping pace with the surge in AI-related traffic, according to senior industry executives. Mobile coverage in the UK is worse than any EU member state and every other member of the G7, ranking 57th globally for network performance.
Andrea Donà, networks director at VodafoneThree, expressed embarrassment over the network quality, comparing the current situation to consumers experiencing signal loss at large public events. The UK's mobile operators have invested heavily in 5G stand-alone technology but face planning delays and regulatory hurdles that hinder their efforts.
About 96% of the required upgrades are on existing sites, but obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy and bureaucratic process. Donà argues that reforming planning regulations could be a low-cost, high-impact growth policy for the government and the UK economy.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Technology's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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