Openreach 'switching off' copper broadband in 163 more locations
Dan Howdle • January 21st, 2025
Traditional broadband and phone lines are disappearing from the UK as more areas switch over to Full Fibre connections. Openreach has announced that copper-based services will no longer be sold in 163 new areas, affecting nearly one million homes and businesses. If you’re wondering what this means for you, here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why.
Big changes are coming to broadband in the UK
Broadband technology in the UK is getting an upgrade, and the old copper cables that have been in use for decades are being phased out. Openreach, the company responsible for most of the UK’s broadband network, has announced a big step in this process: copper broadband and phone services (ADSL and Standard Fibre) will no longer be sold in 163 new locations. This means nearly one million homes and businesses will need to switch to faster Full Fibre connections when they next change or upgrade their broadband package.
This isn’t a sudden change. Openreach has been gradually moving areas onto its Full Fibre network for a few years now. The new 'Stop Sell' (as Openreach catchily calls it) rule means that if Full Fibre is available to most homes in your area, copper services like ADSL and Standard Fibre connections (FTTC) can no longer be sold. For people still using these older services, it's a good time to think about upgrading.
What is Full Fibre, and how is it different?
Full Fibre is the latest and greatest in broadband technology. It uses fibre optic cables to deliver internet directly to your home or business. This is different from older systems, like ADSL, which use copper telephone lines for at least part of the journey from the exchange to your home. Copper connections are slower, less reliable, and can struggle to keep up with the demands of a modern household.
- ADSL (or standard broadband) offers speeds up to about 17Mbps, but in reality, many people get much less
- Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC), often called Standard Fibre is faster (up to about 70Mbps) but still relies on copper for the last leg to your home
- Full Fibre (FTTP) gets rid of copper entirely, offering speeds of up to 1.6Gbps currently, and capable of many multiples of that whenever providers are ready to offer it
If you’ve ever struggled with buffering during a video call, slow downloads, or unreliable connections, Full Fibre could solve those problems. It’s designed to handle today’s internet needs and whatever the future holds, from streaming 4K films to smart home gadgets, gaming and remote working.
How will this affect me?
If you’re in one of the 163 new 'Stop Sell' areas, this might mean changes for you. But don’t worry — there’s no need to rush. If you’re already on a copper service like standard broadband or Fibre-to-the-Cabinet, you can keep using it for now. The rule only applies when you want to switch providers, upgrade your plan, or make changes to your service. At that point, you’ll need to move to a Full Fibre plan if it’s available in your area.
For people whose homes aren’t yet connected to the Full Fibre network, there’s no immediate impact. You’ll still be able to use your current service until copper becomes available in your area. You can use our postcode checker to see whether Full Fibre is available yet where you live.
Why is the copper network being replaced?
The copper network has been the backbone of UK broadband for decades, but it’s outdated. It wasn’t designed for the way we use the internet today, let alone the way we’ll use it in the future. Copper is slow, prone to faults, and more expensive to maintain than Full Fibre.
By replacing copper with Full Fibre, Openreach is making sure the UK’s broadband is ready for the future. Full Fibre is faster, more reliable, and can support much higher demand. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly, using less energy to deliver your connection.
What happens next?
Openreach plans to continue rolling out Full Fibre across the UK, aiming to cover 25 million premises by the end of 2026. So far, the network is available to 17 million homes and businesses, with more than five million people already using it. By mid-February, over 40% of the UK will be under 'Stop Sell' rules, meaning copper services can’t be sold in those areas anymore, only Full Fibre.
For consumers, this means a gradual shift to faster and better internet. Most providers, including BT, Sky, and TalkTalk, already offer Full Fibre plans, so switching should be straightforward.
What we think
The switch from copper to Full Fibre is a big deal, but it’s ultimately a positive change. For years, many people in the UK have struggled with slow or unreliable broadband, and Full Fibre is the answer to that. It offers faster speeds, fewer faults, and the ability to handle all the streaming, gaming, and working from home we do these days.
Of course, there will be some challenges. Not everyone is thrilled about upgrading their broadband, especially if it means slightly higher bills or the hassle of switching. But in the long run, it’s worth it. Copper is on its way out, and sticking with it will only lead to more frustrations as it becomes less and less capable of meeting your needs.
Our advice? If Full Fibre is available in your area, take advantage of it. The benefits far outweigh any initial inconvenience, and you’ll be future-proofing your internet for years to come.
Where can I find out more?
If you’re not sure whether Full Fibre is available in your area, use our postcode checker to find out. You can also contact your broadband provider for advice on upgrading your service.
For those still on older connections, it’s worth keeping an eye on announcements from Openreach as more areas are added to the Stop Sell list. Your street may soon be on that list.
