The transition to a fully digital future in the UK is well underway as the country moves to phase out its old copper phone and broadband networks. BT’s Openreach platform, responsible for telecom infrastructure, has initiated a nationwide “stop sell” policy, pushing providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk to migrate customers to faster and more reliable full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice services.
The closure of the first UK exchange in Deddington, Oxfordshire, signifies a significant milestone in this transition. Customers who were previously serviced by this exchange now rely on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) technology for internet and phone services.
Following Deddington, Ballyclare in Northern Ireland and Kenton Road in London are next in line for closure by the end of November as part of Openreach’s plan to retire thousands of copper-based exchanges nationwide in favor of fibre-only services.
The shift to fibre networks offers faster speeds and enhanced reliability compared to copper, with Digital Voice users benefitting from clearer calls and advanced features. Additionally, fibre infrastructure is more space-efficient, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches instead of bulky hardware.
Openreach is streamlining its operations to operate just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges,” known as Openreach Handover Points (OHPs), across the UK. In Deddington, 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 benefits of the digital transition, highlighting cost savings for providers through network consolidation and improved fibre connections for consumers that can scale for years to come.
The closure of Deddington is just the beginning, with other areas like Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines lined up for similar transitions. The next 12 exchanges scheduled for closure include Staines, Thames Ditton, Baynard, Wraysbury, Nazeing, Langford, Allestree Park, Beacon, Childwall, Lundin Links, Carrickfergus, and Glengormley.
