Some of BT Business’ core products and services will be available via a new platform in the first half of 2026; there was no information about the promised new services
BT is to launch of sovereign platform that will “deliver a pioneering suite of new digital sovereignty services for the UK private and public sector”.
This is to be achieved by “the control and management of operations, systems and data within a UK infrastructure platform – supported exclusively by UK-based staff where required – is key to providing digital sovereignty”.
BT claims it is the natural choice to fulfil this role for the UK, but beyond saying it will enhance its offering to customers but detail of the new offers is scarce: the platform will underpin “new sovereign voice, cloud and AI services over the coming months”.
The platform will enable BT’s Business to make some “existing core products and services available with a sovereign option in the first half of 2026”.
Jon James, CEO of BT Business, said, “Sovereignty isn’t simply a matter of compliance or risk management – it’s key to unleashing the potential of AI, and ensuring resilient operations in an increasingly uncertain world. Our pioneering launch reflects BT’s unique position as the digital backbone of the UK, and the only provider with the scale, capabilities and experience to enable true UK sovereign solutions.
“Organisations are increasingly looking for sovereignty in their services and it’s up to us to make sure we deliver for our customers. That means making sure we’re offering the right sovereign solutions that ensure data and operations remain secure, compliant, resilient and future-proofed.”
The UK Government’s AI strategy includes boosting national growth through AI and investment in data centres and securing sovereignty for AI. BT says it is committed to supporting this strategy, as a founding member of the UK Sovereign AI Industry Forum and partner on the UK Government’s AI skills development programme, and by providing the “future-ready digital infrastructure key to connecting and powering these technologies”.
James was appointed by group CEO Allison Kirkby at the start of 2025 to lead BT’s ailing Business unit.
