In the UK, traditional copper landlines are being phased out in favor of Digital Voice services by January 2027. This shift will lead to homes relying on broadband for phone calls. Major providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk are part of the transition away from copper-based services to embrace full fiber broadband and digital phone services.
Openreach, the network behind this change, is implementing a “Stop Sell” program to discontinue copper-based services in areas where ultrafast Full Fibre is available. This initiative is aimed at modernizing communication infrastructure and ensuring a smooth transition to more advanced technologies. By June, over 1,400 exchanges across the UK will adhere to the Stop Sell rules, impacting millions of properties.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, highlighted the importance of this program in preparing for a full fiber future and phasing out outdated copper networks. The nationwide shutdown of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is nearing, emphasizing the need for a seamless transition to digital infrastructure.
Digital Voice, BT’s next-gen home phone service, offers enhanced features like Multi Call and call diversion via broadband technology. Upgrading to Digital Voice will not affect how households use their phones, as the service is bundled with broadband at no extra cost. This transition aims to improve call quality and provide a more reliable communication experience for customers.