Openreach has issued stop sell alerts for a further 112 phone exchange locations, meaning Internet Service Providers (ISPs) using the Openreach network can no longer sell legacy copper-based plans to new customers or regrade existing users onto those deals.
The stop sell is triggered when 75% of premises connected to an exchange can access ultrafast full fibre broadband. Customers who want to switch, upgrade or re-grade their service must then take a new digital service over the full fibre network.
This latest update brings the total number of exchanges under stop sell to 1,572 across the UK, covering around 15.4 million premises.
Digital Voice replacement
From January 2027, ageing copper landlines are being discontinued and replaced by Digital Voice, a service that uses a broadband connection instead of traditional copper wires. BT says Digital Voice offers better call quality, call diversion, three-way calling and improved spam protection.
Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, James Lilley, said: “Our stop sell programme is a vital step in accelerating the UK’s transition to a modern full fibre future. As copper’s ability to support modern communications declines, the immediate focus is getting people onto newer, future proofed technologies.”
He added: “By phasing out legacy copper-based services in areas where fibre is now widely available, we’re ensuring customers and providers move onto faster, more reliable, digital infrastructure. This approach not only reduces the cost and complexity of having to maintain both old and new networks but also supports the industry-wide migration ahead of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) now just six months away, by which time everyone will need a digital phone line.”
Exchanges affected
The new stop sell locations include: Claverley, Worfield, Brightlingsea, Hunstanton, Mattishall, Alrewas, Breadsall, March, Melton Mowbray, Newborough, Silverstone, Thorney, Weedon, Blacklunans, Kinloch Rannoch, Loanhead, St Boswells St, Grange-Over-Sands, Halsall, Longtown, Longton, Padiham, Ribbleton, Whitworth, Catford, Skelmersdale, Northolt, Chinley, Calder Valley, Gargrave, Hipperholme, Huby, Low Moor, Melrosegate, Ripponden, Birchington, Charing, Edenbridge, Ham Street, Lydd, Sellindge, South Godstone, Blanchland, Birtley, Edmundbyers, Hylton, Piercebridge, South Shields, Ballygawley, Mountfield, Garrabost, Timsgarry, Shanklin, Silkstone, Tickhill, Aston Clinton, Flitwick, Holmer Green, Rowstock, Stroud, Wroughton, Abergavenny, Dinas Powys, Glynneath, Maesycrugiau, Newport Dyfed, Rhydlewis, Talywain, Tintern, Tonyrefail, Cwm, Caversham, Turgis Green, Reading Tilehurst, Reading Blakedown, Himbleton, Nantwich, Shelsley Beauchamp, Stoke Trinity, Swynnerton, Aberdaron, Abersoch, Craven Arms, Cerrig-Y-Drudion, Holme Lacy, Kinnerton, Little Brampton, Barr, Dalbeattie, Dalmellington, Gartocharn, Ibrox, Kirkoswald, Langbank, Lochmaben, Millport P.G.Newark, Strathaven, Straiton, Uplawmoor, Wemyss Bay, Black Torrington, Drewsteignton, Hayle, Helston, Lewdown, Morchard Bishop, Mary Tavy, Poundsgate, Wadebridge, Whiddon Down, and Winkleigh.
Residents can check availability at their address using the Openreach postcode checker.
