The traditional copper landline phone network that hangs above UK streets is making way for the switch to “Digital Voice” services by January 2027. This move signals the end of the old copper-wire phone infrastructure.
Following the implementation of this deadline, households will transition to using broadband for making phone calls.
The shift marks a significant transformation in UK communications. To expedite the replacement of outdated systems, BT’s Openreach network is rolling out the “Stop Sell” initiative.
Under these guidelines, providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk are prohibited from offering new copper-based broadband and phone services in affected regions.
Stop Sell notifications have already been introduced in many UK areas over the past few years. Openreach has now confirmed further expansion affecting 238 exchange locations and approximately 1.69 million premises.
When these changes take effect, customers seeking upgrades, switches, or new services will be required to transition to full fibre broadband and digital phone services instead of the legacy copper network.
Openreach clarified: “Stop Sell is activated when a majority (75%) of connected premises in a specific exchange have access to ultrafast Full Fibre. Customers looking to switch, upgrade, or re-grade their broadband or phone service will then need to opt for a new digital service over our Full Fibre network.”
By early June, Stop Sell regulations will be in effect across 1,432 exchanges nationwide, impacting around 14.2 million properties.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, stated: “Our Stop Sell program is a crucial step in expediting the UK’s shift to a modern full fibre future.
“As copper’s capacity to support modern communications diminishes, the immediate focus is on migrating people to newer, future-proof technologies.
“By phasing out legacy copper-based services where fibre is widely available, we’re aiding customers and providers in transitioning to faster, more reliable digital infrastructure. This also reduces the cost and complexity of maintaining both old and new networks ahead of the nationwide shutdown of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is less than eight months away.”
HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST OF NEW LOCATIONS
Farnsfield • Quor • Sileby • Tibshelf • Layton • Hetton Le Hole • Marton • Pinxton • Spofforth • Cudworth • New Ollerton • Rottingdean • Castle Donington • Blidworth • North Carlton • Jarrow Bilsthorpe • Illingworth • Strensall • Harefield • Cosham • Donnington • Ramsbottom • Shettleston • Brediland • Filton • Dudley • Cheetham • Dins