The UK’s mobile infrastructure faces a critical test as AI adoption accelerates. More connected devices, richer applications, and real-time services will increase network demand. That raises a central question for operators and policymakers. Can the country’s networks support its digital ambitions?
Cellnex UK Managing Director Steve Cray believes progress continues, but gaps remain. He argues that AI plans must link directly with infrastructure planning.
“You can have the best AI systems in the world, but if you can’t actually access them and use them on a day-to-day basis, that’s obviously problematic,” he tells Mobile Europe. “We need a much more joined-up approach that considers everything required, whether that’s power, transmission networks, mobile connectivity or other infrastructure. All these things need to be looked at more holistically than perhaps they have been historically.”
This message matters because expectations have changed sharply. Mobile users no longer judge networks by calls and texts. They expect video, cloud apps, messaging, and work tools everywhere. Businesses also need stable connectivity for operations, automation, and customer services.
However, much of the UK’s mobile estate has older roots. Operators have upgraded networks across several technology generations. They have also managed mergers, joint ventures, and sharing agreements. That history created a complex market.
“The UK has been through a massive journey over those years as the infrastructure has been continually modernised and replaced,” Cray explains.
“The complexities of the UK market are both fascinating and sometimes really challenging.”
The next challenge goes beyond national coverage maps. Cray says the UK must improve service quality, especially on 5G. European peers have often moved faster on network performance. That leaves the UK with work to do.
“When you look at network quality in the UK on 5G, we still have some catching up to do compared with many other European countries,” he notes.
AI could change traffic patterns in a major way. Today, many networks focus heavily on downloads. Users stream content, browse websites, and receive cloud data. AI services may drive much more upload activity from devices, sensors, vehicles, and wearables.
“Rather than just thinking about networks in terms of download speeds or coverage, we also need to consider upload capability,” he says.
Cray estimates AI could need two to three times more upload activity. That shift may pressure cell sites and backhaul links. Low latency will also matter. Latency means the delay before data moves between device and application.
“Latency can be really important for some of those AI applications as well,” he says.
5G Standalone could help here. It supports lower latency and more flexible network services. Yet operators still need enough sites, power, fibre, and planning approvals. Without those foundations, advanced mobile features will stay limited.
The responsibility does not sit with one group. National government must support investment and clear regulation. Local authorities must handle planning more efficiently. Operators must continue upgrading networks and targeting capacity where demand grows.
“There’s a role really for both industry and government to play in that. And I think that’s both in terms of national and local government as well,” Cray says.
For the UK, the opportunity remains significant. Stronger mobile networks could support AI services, smart transport, healthcare tools, and industrial automation. But ambition needs infrastructure beneath it. Otherwise, the country risks building digital services faster than users can reliably access them.
