The era of traditional copper landlines hanging above UK streets is coming to an end as the nationwide shift to “Digital Voice” services is scheduled for January 2027. Following this transition, households will rely on broadband for their phone calls.
This change signifies a significant transformation in UK communications, with BT’s Openreach network implementing the “Stop Sell” program to expedite the migration away from outdated infrastructure. Under this initiative, providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk will no longer offer new copper-based broadband and phone services in affected areas.
The deployment of Stop Sell notifications has already commenced in various regions across the UK, and Openreach has announced an extension affecting 238 exchange locations and around 1.69 million premises. As a result, customers seeking upgrades or new services will be required to switch to full fibre broadband and digital phone services instead of the traditional copper network.
Openreach clarified that the Stop Sell initiative is activated when 75% of premises in a specific exchange can access ultrafast Full Fibre. This move aims to transition customers and providers to faster and more reliable digital infrastructure, reducing the complexity and cost of maintaining both old and new networks ahead of the impending shutdown of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in less than eight months.
By early June, the Stop Sell regulations will be in effect across 1,432 exchanges nationwide, impacting approximately 14.2 million properties. James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized the importance of the Stop Sell program in advancing the UK towards a modern full fibre future.
Digital Voice, BT’s advanced home phone service, leverages broadband technology to offer modern functionalities such as Multi Call, three-way calling, and call diversion to any number, including mobile phones. The service ensures enhanced call quality, but users will need a compatible Digital Home phone to utilize these features.
Transitioning to Digital Voice will not affect most households’ phone usage, as the cost of the service is bundled with the broadband package at no additional charge.