The number of data centres in the UK is set to increase by almost a fifth, according to figures shared with BBC News.

Data centres are giant warehouses full of powerful computers used to run digital services from movie streaming to online banking - there are currently an estimated 477 of them in the UK.

Construction researchers Barbour ABI have analysed planning documents and say that number is set to jump by almost 100, as the growth in artificial intelligence (AI) increases the need for processing power.

SNS Telecom & IT's latest research report indicates that private 5G networks – which are projected to account for $5 billion in annual spending by 2028 – are on the verge of mainstream adoption. Their real-world impact is becoming increasingly visible through accelerated investments by industrial giants and other end user organizations to support diverse applications such as autonomous transport systems, mobile robots, remote-controlled machinery, and high-definition video transmission, while reducing reliance on unlicensed wireless and hard-wired connections.

More than a third of UK mobile mast hosts are considering walking away in response to government plans to expand rent-slashing rules, according to a survey by AP Wireless UK.

The research conducted by Telecom investor AP Wireless UK in June 2025 and backed by a coalition including the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Country Land and Business Association (CLA), and British Property Federation (BPF) has found that severe rent reductions and widespread legal threats are driving site providers to reconsider hosting mobile infrastructure.

A survey put together by Ciena and Heavy Reading reveals only 16% of surveyed telcos believe their optical networks are ‘very ready’ for AI.

The report was based on a survey of 77 operators and was designed to understand the impacts of AI applications and traffic growth on metro and long-haul networks operated by telcos including fixed, mobile, and converged network operators and cable operators.

P.H.O.N.E is a free customisable agreement to help parents and children set boundaries around the kids’ usage of smartphones and their behaviours.

Virgin Media O2 is creating a new £1 million talent fund aimed at helping charities, local authorities, small businesses and social enterprises to train apprentices.

New rules designed to protect submarine cables from security threats and stimulate investment in new systems have been adopted by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The projects include solutions that aim to bridge the digital divide across the UK.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) says 11 telecom projects that are focused on bridging the digital divide will share a £13 million government funding pot. If it is going to be split equally, each project would receive just under £1.2 million.

Millions of Vodafone and Three customers will enjoy the best of both networks at no extra cost, as VodafoneThree ramps up the pace on its mission to build the UK’s best network.

• Millions of Vodafone and Three customers will automatically use each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, at no extra cost.
• Seamless integration has already opened up access on more than 600 sites, with 9,000 to follow by the end of the first year of VodafoneThree being formed.
• By bringing the networks together, VodafoneThree is unlocking greater capacit

• Low-earth orbit (LEO) systems are increasingly attractive to businesses (especially SMEs) and to domestic subscribers all over the world
• The value of the sector is forecast to grow by almost 25% to hit US$14.8bn by 2026
• LEO services for global IoT connectivity will also grow by 32% in the same period
• Meanwhile, geostationary-orbit satellites (GEOs) retain their own advantages, bringing about a trend towards the ‘complementarity’ of satellite systems

Low-earth orbit (LEO) sa