The era of traditional copper telephone lines hanging above UK streets is coming to an end. By January 2027, the nationwide shift to “Digital Voice” services will mark the phasing out of the old copper-wire phone network.
After the deadline, households will transition to making calls through their broadband connections.
This move signifies one of the most significant transformations in UK communications in years. To expedite the transition from outdated infrastructure, BT’s Openreach network is actively implementing its “Stop Sell” initiative.
As part of this initiative, providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk will no longer be able to offer new broadband and phone services based on copper in affected areas.
The implementation of Stop Sell notifications has been ongoing in various parts of the UK in recent times. Openreach has now confirmed further expansion, affecting 238 exchange locations and approximately 1.69 million premises.
Following these adjustments, customers looking to upgrade, switch, or obtain new services will be required to transition to full-fibre broadband and digital phone services instead of the traditional copper network.
According to Openreach, “Stop Sell” is activated when a majority (75%) of premises connected to a specific exchange can access ultrafast Full Fibre. This means that customers wishing to make changes to their broadband or phone services will need to adopt a new digital service over the Full Fibre network.”
By early June, the Stop Sell rules will be in effect across 1,432 exchanges nationwide, impacting around 14.2 million properties.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized the importance of the Stop Sell program in advancing the UK towards a modern full-fibre future.
Lilley stated, “As the capabilities of copper for modern communications diminish, the immediate focus is on transitioning people to newer, technologically advanced solutions.”
He added, “By phasing out legacy copper services in areas with widespread fibre availability, we are facilitating the migration of customers and providers to faster, more reliable digital infrastructure. This also streamlines the cost and complexity of maintaining both old and new networks ahead of the impending shutdown of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is less than eight months away.”
HERE IS THE FULL LIST OF NEW LOCATIONS
The transition to Digital Voice signifies a significant technological shift for BT’s home phone service. This digital calling mechanism, which connects homes via broadband technology, offers modern features not available on traditional landline services. Features include Multi Call, three-way calling for conference calls, and call diversion to any phone number, including mobile phones. Call quality is also expected to be significantly improved with Digital Voice, requiring a compatible Digital Home phone for optimal functionality.
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