Most households in the UK are now aware of the ongoing transition from traditional copper phone and broadband networks to a fully digital infrastructure. This shift aims to improve speed and reliability while replacing outdated wires. BT’s Openreach, a major telecom infrastructure provider, has initiated a nationwide “stop sell” policy, urging companies like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk to phase out copper-based contracts in favor of full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice services.
Following the announcement of a “stop sell,” a designated period elapses before non-fibre connections are discontinued, indicating a serious transition. The first UK exchange, located in Deddington, Oxfordshire, has been officially decommissioned, ceasing to provide phone and other services to homes in the area.
Former users of the Deddington exchange now rely solely on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) technology for internet access and phone services. Deddington is the initial exchange to close, with two more pilot exchanges, Ballyclare in Northern Ireland and Kenton Road in London, scheduled for closure by the end of November. This marks the beginning of Openreach’s plan to retire approximately 4,600 copper-based exchanges nationwide in favor of fibre-only services.
The transition to fibre networks offers significantly faster speeds and enhanced reliability, with Digital Voice users benefiting from clearer calls and advanced features. Fibre infrastructure is more space-efficient, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches compared to the bulky hardware of copper systems. Ultimately, Openreach plans to operate just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges” across the UK, known as Openreach Handover Points (OHPs).
In Deddington, around 1,800 copper lines have been upgraded to full fibre, with services now 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. He highlighted Deddington as a successful example of retiring old infrastructure safely and efficiently.
The digital transition is expected to benefit both providers and consumers. Providers stand to reduce costs through network consolidation, while consumers will enjoy faster and more reliable fibre connections that can adapt to future demands. According to Lilley, the focus is on establishing a future-proof, streamlined network for the UK.
While Deddington is the first exchange to transition, several others, including Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines, are next in line for closure. The upcoming closures are part of the strategic plan to modernize the UK’s telecom infrastructure.