- BT signs a five-year agreement with AWS to modernise core and mobile networks using cloud-native microservices.
- The deal brings automation and AI into BT operations, aiming to cut costs and improve service reliability.
What happened: BT Group extends AWS collaboration
BT Group has extended its agreement with Amazon Web Services for another five years, deepening collaboration beyond workload migration to cloud-native systems. The project is designed around TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture and aims to replace legacy infrastructure with more flexible, software-driven services. AWS Professional Services is supporting BT in embedding cloud capabilities directly into its mobile core and Radio Access Network.
The partnership also extends to BT’s Network Operations Centre, where AWS machine learning and generative AI are being used to automate monitoring and fault resolution. BT wants to create a self-healing network capable of anticipating problems before they impact customers. According to Chief Strategy and Change Officer Tom Meakin, the programme is “not just a technology upgrade—it’s a customer promise,” while AWS’s Jan Hofmeyr said the approach puts customers at the centre of BT’s cloud plans.
Also read: BT’s CEO Allison Kirkby warns AI may cut more jobs
Also read: BT launches international unit amid sale speculation
Why it is important
The deal reflects a shift in telecoms towards full-scale cloud-native transformation rather than partial adoption. By embedding AWS at the core and network edge, BT is moving towards highly automated infrastructure, promising lower downtime, faster response, and new service agility. This positions the operator to adapt to growing demands for seamless connectivity and resilient services while managing costs.
Before AWS projects for BT have already produced quantifiable results, automating the majority of tasks and cutting deployment times from days to minutes. In addition, there may be major performance and efficiency receives if this model is adjusted across its networks. The strategic trade-off seems readily apparent: agility and automation now outweigh risks, even though centred on a single hyperscaler raises lock-in concerns. The agreement show that BT is redesigning its infrastructure for long-term competitiveness in while also digitising its systems.
