Mobile operators claim that UK networks are unprepared for AI traffic.

      The director of networks at VodafoneThree states that the quality of mobile services in the UK is not equipped for AI traffic, attributing the challenges to planning regulations rather than financial constraints, as over half of the upgrades to existing masts need approval. Since November, the EU’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act mandates that authorities must decide on permit applications within four months, after which they are considered approved.

      According to the UK’s largest mobile operator, the network's quality is inadequate. "I am embarrassed today at the level of quality of our network," commented Andrea Donà of VodafoneThree to the Guardian, while explaining the potential impact of increased AI traffic, likening it to a perpetual loss of signal similar to what fans experience at a sports event.

      The initial situation is unsatisfactory, as UK mobile coverage ranks lower than every EU member state and all other G7 countries, based on Opensignal data compiled for Which?. That same analysis places the UK at 57th worldwide for network performance.

      Financial resources are not the issue; VodafoneThree has pledged £11 billion for masts upgrades and is reducing its mast count by 30%. Almost all of the work does not require new sites, with approximately 96% of upgrades occurring on existing structures, yet more than half still need planning permission.

      Donà's request revolves around procedural changes rather than funding. "Planning reform is the lowest cost policy for growth; it doesn’t require any government financial investment," he stated. The European Union enacted similar reforms in 2024, with measures outlined in the law that Donà is referring to already in effect across the Channel.

      Under the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, national authorities are required to make a decision on a permit application for a high-capacity network within four months, with applications automatically approved if the deadline is missed. This has been in effect since last November, and while member states can choose to opt out of automatic approvals, they must provide compensation or a right to appeal.

      The European Commission is advancing this initiative further. The proposed Digital Networks Act suggests implementing indefinite spectrum licenses, rules allowing for sharing or use, and simplified deployment processes in return for stricter coverage requirements.

      The UK is not subject to any of these regulations, and operators also highlight that mobile networks are considered critical national infrastructure but do not receive the same benefits that data centers do regarding business rates and energy costs.

      In other regions, the issue is being tackled through alternative means. A Spanish startup has successfully raised €150 million to deliver 5G services to regular mobile devices from space, bypassing the need for local approvals.

      This illustrates the core challenge: the UK prioritizes the protection of the infrastructure housing the technology over the network necessary to connect to it.