As the UK’s digital backbone, we’ve led the way in connectivity innovation – from pioneering 4G to launching the country’s first 5G network through EE. Today, our 5G network reaches over 10.8 million connections and covers 50 cities and towns.
But the journey doesn’t stop there.
As we look ahead to 6G, we’re ready to be a driving force in shaping the next generation of business broadband.
With 70% of UK businesses already using or planning to deploy 5G, the appetite for faster, smarter, and more secure connectivity is clear. 6G promises to exceed these expectations, bringing in a new era of ultra-fast, intelligent networks that will redefine how businesses operate.
From 5G to 6G: the leap to 1tbps broadband
6G is expected to deliver speeds of up to 1Tbps, a big increase from 5G’s peak speeds of around 10 Gbps. This means businesses will be able to download massive datasets, stream 16K video, and run bandwidth-intensive applications in real time, without bottlenecks. This means we’ll be able to offer businesses enterprise-grade broadband that supports everything from immersive virtual collaboration to real-time analytics at scale.
6G Latency Breakthrough: Real-Time connectivity for critical industries
Latency in 6G networks could drop to as low as 0.1 milliseconds, enabling near-instantaneous communication. This is a game-changer for industries reliant on precision and speed, such as financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Our investment in AI-powered traffic management and real-time optimisation will ensure that businesses benefit from consistent low-latency performance across their networks.
AI Integration in 6G networks
We’re already integrating AI into our network operations through platforms like AI Accelerator, which reduces deployment time from six months to six days. In the 6G era, AI will be embedded into the network itself – enabling predictive fault detection, dynamic traffic steering, and personalised service delivery. In collaboration with other global businesses, we’re laying the groundwork for intelligent, self-optimising networks that adapt to business needs in real time.
Protecting sensitive data in the 6G era
With 6G’s expanded capabilities comes a heightened focus on security. We’re exploring quantum encryption and AI-driven threat detection to safeguard data across complex multi-domain networks. These innovations will help businesses protect sensitive information while maintaining compliance in an increasingly regulated digital landscape.
BT's 6G sustainability vision
Our 6G vision includes a commitment to sustainability and becoming a net-zero business through dynamic spectrum sharing, energy-efficient AI models, and non-terrestrial networks that reduce infrastructure demands. By optimising spectrum use and integrating satellite communications, we’re aiming to deliver high-performance broadband with a lower environmental footprint, all while supporting businesses in their own sustainability goals.
6G as a catalyst for digital transformation and growth
6G will be more than just faster internet – it’s a catalyst for business transformation. From enabling autonomous logistics and smart factories to revolutionising remote work and customer engagement, 6G will empower businesses to innovate at speed. Our AI-driven network design ensures that UK businesses will be among the first to benefit from this new age of connectivity.
