BT Business, the UK's largest provider of business connectivity and technology solutions, has introduced AI from BT, a portfolio of AI tools led by an AI Receptionist that answers customer calls around the clock. The portfolio matters to the sector because it positions a network operator as a direct supplier of everyday AI to small businesses.

BT research found that 65% of small business owners believe AI could significantly benefit their business, while 56% say they are not yet realising its full potential. It also found that 67% say they miss at least one call on an average day that they believe costs them business, which BT puts at £3.7 billion in lost revenue each year.

Phone calls remain the preferred way to contact a business, and 75% of potential customers will give a business three call attempts before giving up. Some 58% of respondents said they would tell friends and family to avoid businesses that fail to pick up.

AI Receptionist answers calls 24/7, handles routine enquiries, schedules appointments with Outlook and Google Calendar integration, and transcribes conversations to generate insights. It is aimed at trades, estate agents, healthcare and professional practices, legal and financial services, retailers and hospitality businesses.

The service runs on flexible contracts, is set up through a self-service portal and works across any UK fixed or mobile network, so businesses can keep their existing numbers. BT says customer data remains private and is not used to train AI models.

Jon James, CEO, BT Business, said: "AI Receptionist is the first step in the journey, helping businesses capture every opportunity, reduce admin and deliver responsive, personalised service around the clock, while keeping their customer data protected."

Michelle Ovens, CEO and Founder, Small Business Britain, said: "We know that time-poor customers want quick resolutions, and when businesses can't provide this, revenue is lost."

BT is also offering a free AI Adoption Hub with practical guides, prompt packs and real-world examples.

The structural driver is the gap between small-business interest in AI and confidence in where to start, which BT is addressing by packaging a single, low-effort use case rather than a broad platform.

For the sector, the launch shows connectivity providers moving into applied AI services, although the supporting research reflects reported demand on staff time rather than measured results from the product.

Source: newsroom.bt.com / mobileeurope.co.uk / techradar.com / telecomstechnews.com