The transition to a fully digital future in the UK is well underway, with the gradual phasing out of old copper phone and broadband networks. This shift, led by BT’s Openreach platform, is focused on enhancing speed and reliability while replacing century-old wiring. Providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk are being urged to transition customers from legacy copper-based contracts to full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice services through nationwide “stop sell” initiatives.
Following the implementation of a “stop sell,” there is a specific timeframe before non-fibre connections are discontinued, demonstrating the seriousness of the move. Deddington in Oxfordshire has become the first UK exchange to be fully decommissioned, ceasing to provide traditional phone and other services to households. Customers previously serviced by this exchange can now access the internet and make calls exclusively through FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) technology.
This closure marks the beginning of a series of exchanges shutting down, with Ballyclare in Northern Ireland and Kenton Road in London scheduled for closure by the end of November. Approximately 4,600 copper-based exchanges are set to be retired nationwide as customers transition to fibre-only services.
The transition to fibre networks promises significantly faster speeds and improved reliability, exceeding copper speeds by over tenfold. Users of Digital Voice can enjoy clearer calls and additional features such as call filtering. Additionally, fibre infrastructure is more space-efficient, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches in contrast to the bulky hardware of copper systems.
Under the new structure, Openreach plans to operate just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges,” known as Openreach Handover Points (OHPs), across the UK. In Deddington, around 1,800 copper lines have already been upgraded to full fibre, with services managed from the nearby Banbury OHP.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized the magnitude of the project, involving the migration of millions of services. He highlighted Deddington as proof that the company can effectively retire outdated infrastructure, leading to a more cost-effective network for providers and faster, long-lasting connections for consumers.
The digital transition aims to create a future-proof network for the UK, benefitting both providers and consumers. Deddington is just the beginning, with other areas such as Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines slated for closure in the near future.