Wedoany.com Report-Dec.5, BT has launched a new sovereign digital platform that will allow customers to access UK-based voice, cloud, AI and connectivity services with guaranteed data residency and control of sensitive data.

The platform, operated exclusively by UK-cleared personnel and built on BT's domestic network infrastructure, will progressively roll out enhanced sovereign options during the coming months. From the first half of 2026, BT Business customers will be able to select sovereignty levels for a wide range of existing products.

"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," said Jon James, CEO of BT Business."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."

James added: "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 initiative aligns with rising demand from public and private sector organisations for greater control over data location and processing amid evolving geopolitical and regulatory conditions. BT highlighted its long-standing experience in delivering secure sovereign communications to critical national infrastructure and government clients.

BT is supporting the UK government's AI strategy as a founding member of the UK Sovereign AI Industry Forum and through participation in national AI skills programmes. The company emphasised that the new platform provides the secure, future-ready infrastructure required to power domestic AI development and deployment.

The announcement follows a speech by UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis at the FT Cyber Resilience Summit in London, where he praised recent collaboration between BT and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on a protective tool that shares early-stage cyberattack intelligence with internet service providers.

"That door has been slammed shut on the criminals … all thanks to BT and NCSC blocking access to fraudulent websites," Jarvis said, underlining the ongoing need to strengthen national cyber defences.