The end of ageing copper landlines that have kept us all connected for over a century is getting ever closer. It’s already been confirmed that this technology is being phased out from January 2027, with homes being switched over to new fibre broadband and a calling platform called Digital Voice. The change is being implemented to make sure the UK’s communications network is fit for the future, whilst also bringing faster internet access to consumers. Digital Voice also arrives with improved phone features such as clearer calls, better spam protection and call forwarding.

Whether homes like it or not, the change is coming, and in a bid to speed up the process and make sure everyone gets connected to the latest technology, BT’s Openreach is gradually issuing so-called “stop sell” alerts in areas across the UK.

Stop Sell is triggered when 75 percent of premises served by a local telecoms exchange can access Full Fibre broadband. From that point, service providers that use Openreach cables such as BT, Sky and Vodafone can no longer sell new copper-based broadband and phone services in those areas.

Customers upgrading their package will also be switched away from copper and moved to full fibre. The latest push means another 112 new exchange locations, covering more than 600,000 new premises, must now stop selling legacy plans.

Areas affected include Glasgow, Bristol, Reading, Leicester, Guildford, Tamworth, Exmouth and Hastings. The latest move takes the total number of premises covered by Openreach’s stop-sell rules to around 16.4 million

Speaking about the update, James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, said: “Our stop sell programme is a key step in accelerating the UK’s move to a full fibre future. As ageing copper networks become less able to meet modern communications needs, our focus is on helping customers move to faster, more reliable digital technologies.”

“Retiring legacy copper services where fibre is widely available will support the industry-wide migration to modern networks, reduce the cost and complexity of maintaining old and new infrastructure side by side, and help ensure customers are ready for the closure of the PSTN in less than four months’ time, when everyone will need a digital phone service.”

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So what exactly is Digital Voice and how do you switch?

Digital Voice is BT’s next-generation home phone service. This digital calling, which connects homes via broadband technology, offers modern features not found on old landline services, such as Multi Call, three-way calling for conference calls, and call diversion to any other phone number, including mobile phones.

The call quality should also be much improved with Digital Voice, though you’ll need a compatible Digital Home phone to take advantage. There’s no extra charge for Digital Voice.

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