Most households in the UK are now aware of the ongoing transition from traditional copper phone and broadband networks to modern digital infrastructure. The transition aims to enhance speed and reliability while eliminating outdated wiring. BT’s Openreach, a key provider of telecom infrastructure, has implemented a nationwide “stop sell” strategy, requiring providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk to phase out copper-based services in favor of full-fibre broadband and Digital Voice solutions.

Following the “stop sell” announcement, a specific timeframe is given before non-fibre connections are deactivated, demonstrating a serious commitment to the transition. The first exchange in the UK, Deddington in Oxfordshire, has been officially decommissioned, signaling the end of legacy services for residents in that area.

Former users of the Deddington exchange now rely on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) technology for internet and phone services. This closure is part of a larger plan by Openreach to retire approximately 4,600 copper-based exchanges across the country, moving customers towards fibre-only services.

The shift to fibre networks offers significantly faster speeds and more reliable connections compared to copper, with Digital Voice users benefiting from clearer calls and advanced features. Fibre infrastructure is also more space-efficient, utilizing lightweight cables and software-based switches instead of bulky hardware.

Under the new system, Openreach will manage just 1,000 modern “super digital exchanges,” called Openreach Handover Points (OHPs), nationwide. In Deddington, around 1,800 copper lines have been upgraded to full fibre, with services now coordinated from the Banbury OHP.

James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized the significant scale of the project, involving the migration of millions of services. He highlighted the success of the Deddington transition, showcasing the company’s ability to retire old infrastructure effectively.

Lilley stressed that the digital transformation benefits both providers and consumers, with reduced costs for providers through network consolidation and improved fibre connections for consumers that are scalable for the future.

Deddington is the first of several exchanges to close, with locations like Wraysbury, Childwall, Glengormley, and Staines next in line for the transition to modern digital services.