Powering Britain’s digital future: Cisco’s commitment to inclusive connectivity and ethical AI

Contributed Article

By Natalie Jones-Owen, Managing Director, Service Provider at Cisco 

As Britain accelerates its journey toward a digitally empowered future, Cisco stands ready to support this transformation by delivering innovative technology solutions that foster inclusion, resilience, and trust. Connectivity today is not a luxury but a fundamental enabler of economic growth, social equity, and public services. At Connected Britain 2025, the spotlight is on how technology can bridge divides and empower every community across the UK, and Cisco’s purpose aligns deeply with this vision.

Enabling Inclusive Connectivity and Public Sector Transformation

Cisco has long been part of the fabric of UK innovation. From securing our nation’s digital infrastructure to pioneering the first internet connections in schools, we have always believed in the power of technology to drive positive change. Our impact is profound across the public sector – from central government and national security to the frontline of vital public services. We are proud to partner with the organisations represented here, working together to deliver digital transformation where it matters most.

Over the past four decades, Cisco has partnered with service providers and local organizations to extend secure, scalable connectivity to underserved communities. As an example, our work with the NHS, through the Cisco-led Lister Alliance, brings together industry, health partners, and academia to deliver innovation through a unique network of Living Labs. Whether it’s deploying digital tools to combat loneliness, helping the elderly manage their health, or equipping frontline staff with technology to enhance productivity and job satisfaction, these ecosystems unlock transformative possibilities.

Securing Britain’s Digital Foundations for an AI Future

The UK’s Industrial Strategy underscores the critical role of digital infrastructure and skills in driving economic renewal and global competitiveness. Cisco supports this strategy by providing robust, future-ready networks that underpin AI and data-driven innovation. Reliable connectivity, data management, and seamless integration are now mission critical. This starts with building out data centre capacity, but also requires nationwide high-performing networks so that economic growth and public sector ambitions can be realised. For all the excitement around AI, none of it is possible without secure, scalable, and resilient infrastructure. As AI agents join us in the workforce and data demands surge, the foundations we lay now will determine our future success.

At the heart of Britain’s digital ambitions lies the powerful relationship between Cisco and the UK’s leading Service Providers. These partners form the backbone of critical national infrastructure, working hand in hand with government to deliver secure, resilient networks that underpin public services and national security. Together, we are powering an AI economy—building the digital highways for innovation and opportunity, and delivering trustworthy connectivity for an intelligent future.

UK Service Providers are transforming their operations to meet growing customer demands and unlock new digital experiences. As they embrace assurance, automation, and autonomous networking, they simplify networks, ensure resilience, and accelerate innovation—future-proofing their services while enabling new revenue streams and value.

Ethical AI and Social Impact: Technology for Good

Ethical AI is central to Cisco’s innovation ethos. We have developed a Responsible AI Framework built on fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and security. This guides our solutions to prevent bias, protect user data, and build public trust—essential for adoption in healthcare, education, and public safety.

Cisco’s social impact projects demonstrate AI’s potential to address real-world challenges. From supporting law enforcement to combatting human trafficking, to enabling  farmers with AI-driven insights, and maintaining critical infrastructure, we show how technology uplifts communities.

Transformation must go hand-in-hand with robust security and digital skills.  Through our Networking Academy, we’ve trained over 585,000 people in the UK—helping organisations and individuals prepare for the AI era with constantly evolving programs, including new AI courses.

Shaping a Trusted and Sustainable Digital Britain

At Connected Britain 2025, these themes resonate with the mission to create a more inclusive, innovative, and ethical digital Britain. Cisco’s portfolio and purposeful partnerships position us uniquely to empower people, protect society, and drive sustainable growth.

Together, we can build a connected Britain where technology is a force for good, enabling opportunity and trust for all.

Join Cisco and the rest of the UK’s connectivity ecosystem in discussion at Connected Britain 2025

Author: Ernestro Casas -

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