Openreach, the network operator owned by BT Group, announced on Wednesday an expansion of its partnership with Google Cloud. The collaboration aims to leverage artificial intelligence to speed up the rollout of fiber broadband and reduce emissions from one of the UK's largest commercial vehicle fleets.

Operating Britain's most extensive broadband network, Openreach stated that the partnership utilizes data tools from Alphabet's Google to analyze routes, idling times, and fault patterns of its fleet of 24,000 vans. This fleet travels close to 200 million miles (322 million kilometers) annually.

James Tappenden, Managing Director at Openreach, commented, "By applying Google Cloud technology to real-world operational challenges, we are seeing tangible, measurable benefits."

The company reported that the system has already led to a reduction in unnecessary journeys, lower fuel consumption, and has supported a quicker transition to electric vehicles. This initiative is estimated to cut approximately 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.

Openreach also revealed it is using Google's AI models to map 35 million households and national transport corridors across the UK. This enables planners to more rapidly identify suitable locations for laying full-fiber lines.

The company is investing £15 billion (approximately $201 billion) with the goal of extending its fiber network to 25 million premises by the end of 2026.