How will 6G support the adoption of AI?

Our leadership in rolling out 5G networks has helped deliver over £88 billion in projected economic growth through technologies like AI and machine learning.

But the pace of change is accelerating.

AI is transforming the workplace and the arrival of 6G will take this transformation to the next level. We’re at the forefront of 6G innovation, preparing us to deliver to deliver the intelligent, ultra-fast networks that will power the UK’s AI-driven future

6G will offer data rates reaching terabits per second (Tbps), which is up to 100x faster than 5G. This increase in bandwidth will allow businesses to process vast amounts of data in real time, enabling AI models to operate more efficiently and accurately. Our investment in future-ready technologies ensures that UK businesses can harness these speeds for everything from predictive analytics to immersive virtual environments.

Our vision for 6G includes a ‘network of networks’ architecture – integrating terrestrial, satellite, and Wi-Fi systems into a seamless, intelligent platform. These AI-native networks will be capable of self-optimisation, zero-touch management, and real-time orchestration, allowing businesses to deploy AI services with reliability and flexibility.

With microsecond-level latency and distributed edge computing, 6G will enable real-time data processing at scale. In the 6G era, deployment will evolve into closed-loop automation, where networks continuously learn, adapt, and improve – empowering businesses to make faster, smarter decisions.

From autonomous vehicles to smart factories, 6G will unlock a new generation of AI-driven applications. We’re investing in networks that not only transmit data, but also sense their environment – supporting use cases like environmental monitoring, security, and precision logistics.

We’re already delivering AI as a service through platforms like ServiceNow, helping businesses automate workflows, predict outages, and streamline customer service. With 6G, these services will become more intelligent and scalable – powered by real-time data, dynamic resource allocation, and secure cloud-native infrastructure.

6G will accelerate AI adoption across key UK industries:

• Healthcare: Real-time diagnostics, remote surgery, and AI-assisted care.
• Finance: Instant fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and personalised banking.
• Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance, autonomous robotics, and digital twins.
• Retail: Hyper-personalised experiences, smart inventory, and AI-driven logistics.

By partnering with industry leaders and academic institutions, we’re ensuring that these innovations are grounded in real-world needs and scalable across sectors.

6G will introduce transformative technologies like holographic communication, immersive AR/VR, and AI-enhanced spectrum sharing. We’re actively researching these capabilities at Adastral Park. These innovations will redefine how businesses interact, collaborate, and innovate.

Our 6G strategy is built on sustainability. Through energy-efficient AI models, dynamic spectrum sharing, and modular infrastructure upgrades, we aim to reduce carbon impact while delivering high-performance connectivity. This aligns with our broader commitment to net-zero operations and supports businesses in achieving their own sustainability goals.

As AI continues to redefine the way UK businesses operate, the arrival of 6G will act as a powerful catalyst – accelerating adoption, enhancing capabilities, and unlocking entirely new possibilities. With its increased bandwidth, intelligent network architecture, and real-time data processing, 6G will empower organisations to innovate faster, automate smarter, and compete globally.

The future of business broadband isn’t just faster. It’s smarter, greener, and more connected than ever before.