BT launches NB-IoT network to support UK smart cities

BT has announced the launch of its NB-IoT network to support the growth of UK smart cities and industries. The network, which boasts coverage of 97% of the UK population, leverages EE’s mobile network infrastructure.

NB-IoT – as a low-power network technology – holds the promise of revolutionising various sectors, including utilities, construction, and the public sector, by securely and reliably connecting devices to automate numerous processes currently reliant on manual...

22 February 2024 | Connectivity

Nokia, BT and MediaTek partner on RedCap trials

Nokia, BT, and MediaTek have successfully concluded trials of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology. The trials, conducted at BT Group’s Adastral Park site, are a step forward in simplifying and advancing connectivity for IoT devices.

RedCap was introduced in 3GPP Release 17 and addresses a critical challenge faced by IoT devices – the complexity and power consumption of current 5G devices.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT, said:

“This trial...

16 October 2023 | 5G

BT unveils UK’s first ‘Drone SIM’ to revolutionise BVLOS operations

BT has unveiled the UK's first “Drone SIM,” promising to revolutionise beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations nationwide.

The solution functions at altitude through the EE network and offers unlimited data plans and continuous connectivity in the sky—setting the stage for transformative changes in various industries.

Drone SIM is designed to withstand extreme conditions – including vibrations, temperature variations, and humidity – ensuring its...

12 October 2023 | 5G

BT will help the British Army build smart bases

BT has secured a networks contract with the British Army to pave the way for smart bases across the United Kingdom.

The company's Business unit has been awarded a five-year contract to provide a managed Wi-Fi service known as MOD Wi-Fi.

This agreement entails BT delivering managed secure Wi-Fi across 162 new army sites in the UK, with the potential to expand the contract to other defence customers, including the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

Building upon...

22 June 2023 | Connectivity

GSMA Intelligence: UK is falling behind in drone innovation

A report by GSMA Intelligence highlights the UK's lagging position in the global race for drone innovation.

Commissioned by BT Group, the report emphasises the need for the UK to learn from international peers and implement recommended measures to ensure its leadership in the burgeoning drone economy.

The research, supported by BT Group, reveals that countries such as Japan, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy have made significant progress in developing their drone...

8 June 2023 | Drones

BT powers a UK-first medical drone trial

BT is using its network to power a transformational medical delivery trial.

The UK’s largest telco by subscribers has partnered with drone specialists Skyfarer and Medical Logistics UK to conduct the country’s first over-land Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) trial.

BVLOS enables drones to travel longer distances, cut delivery times, and reduce the costs involved in ground transportation over often-congested roads.

The drone trial – completed in the...

3 April 2023 | Applications

BT taps AWS Wavelength to kickstart ‘new generation’ of IoT benefits

BT is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to kickstart a “new generation” of IoT benefits.

The UK’s largest telco by subscribers will use AWS Wavelength – which embeds compute and storage services within 5G networks – to enable ultra-low latency applications.

Alex Tempest, MD for BT Wholesale, said:

“As we continue to build best-in-class 5G infrastructure for the UK, launching the AWS Wavelength service for our business and wholesale...

20 March 2023 | 5G

BT and ABP launch IoT trial at the Port of Ipswich

BT has partnered with Associated British Ports (ABP) to launch an IoT trial at the Port of Ipswich.

The trial will explore how the IoT can help to digitise the port’s logistics and operations processes and speed up the movement and processing of goods.

Andrew Harston, Region Director, Wales and Short Sea Ports, Associated British Ports, said: 

“The trial with BT is an exciting step in the Port of Ipswich’s journey to becoming a smart port.

The...

5 July 2021 | Enterprise

UK businesses see emerging tech as ‘a cost rather than investment’

For a country with such a history in pioneering technological advancements, it’s concerning that UK businesses consider innovations a hindrance. 

Computers, the World Wide Web, televisions, jet engines, lightbulbs, radars, telephones… all British technological inventions that many of us now take for granted. However, the UK is now falling behind in adopting new technologies.

Research from BT and YouGov found that more than 50 percent of business leaders are not even...

2 November 2020 | AI