The traditional copper landline phone network that runs above UK streets is being phased out, with a nationwide transition to “Digital Voice” services scheduled for January 2027. This shift will eliminate the old copper-wire phone infrastructure, requiring households to make calls through their broadband connections.
This move towards Digital Voice marks a significant change in UK communications and is being expedited by BT’s Openreach network through its “Stop Sell” initiative. Under this program, major providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk are no longer permitted to offer new copper-based broadband and phone services in affected areas.
Stop Sell notifications have already been implemented in various parts of the UK, with Openreach now expanding the program to cover 238 exchange locations and approximately 1.69 million properties. As a result, customers seeking to upgrade or switch services will need to transition to full fibre broadband and digital phone services instead of relying on the outdated copper network.
According to Openreach, the Stop Sell program is activated when 75% of premises in a specific exchange can access ultrafast Full Fibre. This transition aims to move customers onto more advanced, future-proof technologies and streamline the shift towards faster and more reliable digital infrastructure.
By early June, the Stop Sell rules will be enforced across 1,432 exchanges nationwide, impacting around 14.2 million properties. James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, emphasized the importance of this program in facilitating the UK’s transition to a modern full fibre future and reducing the complexity and costs associated with maintaining both old and new networks.
Digital Voice, BT’s advanced home phone service, leverages broadband technology to offer modern features like Multi Call, three-way calling, and call diversion to mobile phones. Upgrading to Digital Voice will not alter how most households use their phones, as the service is bundled with broadband at no additional cost. The call quality is expected to be enhanced with Digital Voice, requiring a compatible Digital Home phone for optimal performance.
