The era of traditional copper landlines suspended above UK streets is drawing to a close, with a nationwide shift to “Digital Voice” services scheduled for January 2027, signaling the end of the outdated copper-wire phone network.
After the implementation of the deadline, households will transition to making calls through their broadband connections.
This transition marks one of the most significant transformations in UK communications in years, and to expedite the shift away from aging infrastructure, BT’s Openreach network is actively rolling out the “Stop Sell” program.
Under these guidelines, major service providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk are no longer permitted to offer new copper-based broadband and phone services in affected regions.
Stop Sell notifications have already been implemented in various parts of the UK in recent times, with Openreach now confirming an additional expansion affecting 238 exchange locations and approximately 1.69 million premises.
After these adjustments take effect, customers seeking upgrades, switches, or new services will need to transition to full fiber broadband and digital phone services instead of the traditional copper network.
Openreach stated, “Stop Sell is activated once a majority (75%) of premises connected to a specific exchange can access ultrafast Full Fiber. Customers wishing to switch, upgrade, or re-grade their broadband or phone service will then be required to opt for a new digital service over our Full Fiber network.”
By early June, the Stop Sell regulations will be in effect across 1,432 exchanges nationwide, impacting around 14.2 million properties.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, commented, “Our Stop Sell program is a crucial step in expediting the UK’s transition to a modern full fiber future.
“As the capability of copper to support contemporary communications diminishes, the immediate priority is to shift individuals to newer, future-proof technologies.
“By phasing out legacy copper-based services in areas where fiber is widely accessible, we are aiding customers and providers in migrating to faster, more dependable digital infrastructure. This also streamlines the cost and complexity of maintaining both old and new networks in preparation for the nationwide shutdown of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), 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 • Donnington • Ramsbottom • Shettleston • B
