Most households in the UK are now aware of the ongoing transition from traditional copper phone and broadband networks to modern digital infrastructure. This shift aims to enhance speed and reliability while phasing out outdated wiring. BT’s Openreach, a key telecoms infrastructure provider, has implemented a nationwide “stop sell” initiative, compelling companies like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk to terminate legacy copper contracts and migrate customers to full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice services.
Following the announcement of a “stop sell,” a specific timeframe is given before non-fibre connections are discontinued, indicating a serious commitment to the transition. Deddington in Oxfordshire has become the first UK exchange to be fully decommissioned, ceasing to offer traditional phone and other services to residents. Former customers of this exchange now rely solely on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) technology for internet access and phone calls.
Deddington’s closure marks the beginning of a series of pilot exchanges shutting down, with Ballyclare in Northern Ireland and Kenton Road in London to follow suit by the end of November. Openreach plans to retire approximately 4,600 copper-based exchanges nationwide as customers transition to fibre-only services.
The shift to fibre networks promises significantly faster and more dependable speeds, often exceeding copper speeds by more than tenfold. Digital Voice users can expect clearer calls and advanced features like call filtering. Additionally, fibre infrastructure is more space-efficient, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches instead of bulky hardware found in copper systems.
Under the new framework, Openreach will operate just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges,” known as Openreach Handover Points (OHPs), serving the entire UK. In Deddington alone, 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 scale of the project, involving the migration of millions of services. Deddington’s successful transition showcases the company’s ability to safely and effectively retire outdated infrastructure, paving the way for a more streamlined and future-proof network.
Lilley highlighted that the digital transition will bring mutual benefits, with providers cutting costs through network consolidation, and consumers enjoying faster, more reliable fibre connections designed for long-term scalability. He emphasized the importance of building a future-proof network for the UK, beyond merely decommissioning old equipment.
While Deddington is the first to undergo this transition, other areas like Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines are next in line for similar changes. The next 12 exchanges slated for closure include Staines, Thames Ditton, Baynard, Wraysbury, Nazeing, Langford, Allestree Park, Beacon, Childwall, Lundin Links, Carrickfergus, and Glengormley.
