The era of traditional copper landlines hanging over UK streets is coming to an end, whether welcomed or not. By January 2027, the nationwide shift to “Digital Voice” services will be complete, signaling the retirement of the old copper-wire phone network.
After the deadline passes, households will transition to making calls through their broadband connections.
This move signifies one of the most significant transformations in UK communications in many years. To expedite the departure from outdated infrastructure, BT’s Openreach network is actively implementing its “Stop Sell” initiative.
Under these regulations, providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk are no longer allowed to offer new broadband and phone services based on copper in affected regions.
The rollout of Stop Sell notifications has already taken place in numerous parts of the UK in recent times. Openreach has now confirmed an additional expansion affecting 238 exchange locations and about 1.69 million premises.
When these adjustments come into effect, customers seeking upgrades, switches, or new services will need to transition to full fibre broadband and digital phone services instead of the old copper network.
Explaining the process, Openreach stated: “Stop Sell is activated when a majority (75%) of premises connected to a specific exchange can access ultrafast Full Fibre. Customers looking to switch, upgrade, or re-grade their broadband or phone service will then need to adopt a new digital service over our Full Fibre network.”
By early June, Stop Sell regulations will be in place across 1,432 exchanges nationwide, impacting approximately 14.2 million properties.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized: “Our Stop Sell program is a crucial step in expediting the UK’s transition to a modern full fibre future.
“With the decline of copper’s ability to support contemporary communications, the primary focus is on migrating people to newer, future-proof technologies.
“By phasing out legacy copper-based services in areas where fibre is widely available, we’re aiding customers and providers in moving 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 •