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 This shift, led by BT’s Openreach, aims to enhance speed and reliability by replacing outdated wires. Openreach has implemented a nationwide “stop sell” policy, prompting providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk to phase out legacy copper contracts and migrate customers to full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice services.
Following the announcement of a “stop sell,” a specific timeframe is provided before non-fibre connections are discontinued, indicating a serious commitment to the transition. Deddington in Oxfordshire has become the first UK exchange to be fully decommissioned, ceasing to provide traditional phone and services to residents.
Former customers of the Deddington exchange can now only access the internet and make calls through FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) technology. This closure is part of a pilot program, with Ballyclare in Northern Ireland and Kenton Road in London scheduled for closure by the end of November, as part of Openreach’s plan to retire over 4,600 copper-based exchanges nationwide.
The transition to fibre networks offers faster and more reliable speeds, with Digital Voice users benefiting from improved call quality and features. Fibre infrastructure is more efficient, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches instead of bulky hardware. Openreach plans to operate just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges” across the UK, known as Openreach Handover Points (OHPs), streamlining services for customers.
In Deddington, approximately 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, highlighted the extensive effort involved in migrating millions of services, emphasizing the efficiency of retiring old infrastructure in Deddington.
Lilley emphasized that the digital transition will reduce costs for providers through network consolidation, providing consumers with faster, more reliable connections that can adapt to future needs. The closure of Deddington is the first step in this process, with other areas like Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines set for similar transitions.