Most households in the UK are now aware of the ongoing transition from traditional copper phone and broadband networks to a fully digital infrastructure. The move aims to enhance speed and reliability while phasing out outdated wiring that is more than a century old. BT’s Openreach, a key provider of telecoms infrastructure nationwide, has implemented a nationwide “stop sell” policy, prompting companies like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk to transition customers from legacy copper contracts to advanced full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice services.
Following the “stop sell” announcement, a specific timeframe is given before non-fibre connections are discontinued, indicating a serious commitment to the change. Deddington in Oxfordshire has become the first UK exchange to be fully decommissioned, ceasing to offer phone and other services to residents who previously relied on it. These customers can now access the internet and make calls only through Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology.
Deddington is the initial exchange to close, with Ballyclare in Northern Ireland and Kenton Road in London scheduled to follow suit by the end of November. This marks the beginning of Openreach’s plan to retire approximately 4,600 copper-based exchanges nationwide as the shift to fibre-only services gains momentum.
The transition is driven by the superior speed and reliability of fibre networks, offering speeds more than ten times faster than copper. Digital Voice users benefit from clearer calls and advanced features like call filtering. Additionally, fibre infrastructure is more compact, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches instead of the bulky equipment needed for copper systems.
Under the new system, Openreach plans to operate just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges,” known as Openreach Handover Points (OHPs), to serve the entire UK. In Deddington, around 1,800 copper lines have been upgraded to full fibre, with services managed from the nearby Banbury OHP.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized the extensive nature of the project, involving the migration of millions of services. He highlighted Deddington as a successful example of safely and efficiently retiring outdated infrastructure. The digital transition is expected to benefit both providers, who will reduce costs through network consolidation, and consumers, who will enjoy faster, more reliable fibre connections that are scalable for years to come.
Lilley stressed that the focus is on building a future-proof, streamlined network for the UK, rather than just shutting down outdated equipment. Following Deddington, other exchanges like Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines are next in line for closure.
