As the UK’s communication network gears up for a significant transformation, households are being urged to prepare for the impending switch. In January 2027, the long-standing copper phone network will be retired, making way for Digital Voice, a modern service that utilizes broadband connections for phone calls instead of traditional copper wires.
The transition is crucial, with households at risk of losing their landline service if they do not make the switch to Digital Voice in time. A recent campaign titled ‘Don’t Put Off the Switch,’ led by Clare Balding, emphasized the importance of checking landlines and ensuring readiness for the digital era.
While the nationwide deadline is six months away, the shift is rapidly progressing. BT’s Openreach, the operator of the UK’s largest broadband network, has issued “stop sell” notices at an additional 112 telephone exchanges. This action prohibits broadband providers, including BT, Sky, Vodafone, and Plusnet, from selling or transitioning customers to older copper-based services in those areas.
The implementation of “Stop Sell” is triggered when a majority of premises (75%) in an exchange can access ultrafast Full Fibre. Customers seeking to switch or upgrade their broadband or phone services must transition to the new digital service over the Full Fibre network.
This latest update brings the total number of exchanges under Stop Sell rules to 1,572, encompassing approximately 15.4 million homes and businesses nationwide. Despite the challenges associated with moving to full fibre and Digital Voice, the transition promises enhanced benefits such as faster broadband speeds, improved connectivity, and a modernized phone service tailored to today’s digital landscape.
To determine if their location is affected, individuals can use the Openreach postcode checker tool. James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, highlighted the importance of the Stop Sell program in driving the UK’s shift towards a modern full fibre future. By phasing out outdated copper-based services where fibre is readily available, the initiative aims to facilitate a seamless transition to newer, more reliable digital infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs and supporting industry-wide migration ahead of the legacy Public Switched Telephone Network switch-off.
Here is the complete list of new locations where Stop Sell has been implemented:
[Location List]
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