Openreach expands Google Cloud tie-up to cut emissions

Openreach has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud to cover fleet operations and broadband network planning.

Under the agreement, the telecoms group is using Google Cloud's Vertex AI, BigQuery and Gemini Enterprise to cut emissions from its vehicle fleet and speed the rollout of full-fibre broadband across the UK.

The work focuses on two major operational areas: Openreach's 24,000-van fleet, which it describes as the UK's second-largest commercial fleet by vehicle count, and planning network expansion to homes and businesses nationwide.

Its vehicles travel almost 200 million miles a year. Openreach has moved fleet telematics data to Google Cloud and is using geoanalytics to assess where electric vans can replace diesel vehicles based on route patterns, usage and access to charging infrastructure.

The analysis has helped accelerate electric vehicle deployment, with the additional EVs removing about 10,000 tonnes of CO2e a year. The same data is also helping Openreach identify the causes of idling and excessive travel, reduce fuel use in clean air zones and cut vehicle downtime.

The changes are generating millions of pounds in annual savings across operations. Cloud-based analysis is also being used to identify potential vehicle faults earlier, with the aim of improving reliability and safety.

Network planning

Alongside fleet management, Openreach has built what it describes as a digital replica of UK transportation corridors using Vertex AI. The system combines data on 35 million homes and businesses with road, rail and waterway networks, as well as Openreach's existing broadband infrastructure.

The model is designed to help planners identify where full-fibre broadband can be extended sooner and which premises are eligible for connection, supporting a more targeted approach to network build decisions.

The partnership also includes Gemini Enterprise for cloud engineering work. Openreach is using the tool to convert legacy queries into code for BigQuery, reducing manual work for data engineers.

This has cut time-to-insight by more than 50%, allowing engineers to spend more time on new projects rather than maintaining older code.

Openreach is in the middle of a major fibre investment programme in the UK. It has said it is investing £15 billion to bring full-fibre broadband to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a longer-term aim of reaching as many as 30 million premises by the end of the decade if investment conditions remain favourable.

The company says it has already reached 22 million premises and continues to add thousands more each week. Openreach's wholesale network supports more than 680 service providers, including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen.

Openreach employs around 28,000 people and is owned by BT Group. For the year to the end of March 2025, it reported revenue of £6.157 billion.

The latest technology work also ties into broader environmental targets. Openreach has said it is switching its commercial fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2031, while arguing that wider full-fibre deployment can reduce travel demand by supporting remote activity.

James Tappenden outlined the company's position on the project.

"As the builder of the UK's largest broadband network and operator of the country's second largest commercial vehicle fleet, we take our responsibilities seriously," said James Tappenden, Managing Director, Fibre First & Shared Services, Openreach. "By applying Google Cloud's technologies to real operational challenges, we're seeing practical, measurable benefits - from connecting more families to gigabit broadband faster, to cutting vehicle emissions across our workforce. This partnership is helping us work smarter, move quicker, and build a more sustainable network for the UK," added Tappenden.

Google Cloud said the work shows how artificial intelligence tools are being applied to planning and operational challenges in sectors with large physical networks and field workforces.

"By harnessing the power of AI, and empowering its engineering teams with Gemini Enterprise, Openreach isn't just visualizing data; it is using it to make real-world changes that benefit the British public and the environment. We are proud to support Openreach's journey toward a more connected and sustainable future," said Maureen Costello, Vice President, UKI and SSA, Google Cloud.