The era of traditional copper landline phone networks suspended above UK streets is drawing to a close, with a nationwide shift to “Digital Voice” services scheduled for January 2027. This transition will see households switching to using their broadband for phone calls.
Considered one of the most significant changes in UK communications in years, the move away from outdated infrastructure is being hastened by BT’s Openreach network through its “Stop Sell” initiative. This program prohibits providers like BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk from offering new copper-based broadband and phone services in affected areas.
Already implemented in various regions, the Stop Sell program is expanding to impact 238 exchange locations and approximately 1.69 million premises. As a result, customers seeking new services will need to opt for full-fiber broadband and digital phone services over the legacy copper network.
Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, James Lilley, emphasized the importance of the Stop Sell program in advancing the UK towards a full-fiber future. This move aims to transition customers and providers to more efficient digital infrastructure, reducing the complexities and costs associated with maintaining both old and new networks.
Digital Voice, BT’s modern home phone service, leverages broadband technology to offer advanced features like Multi Call, three-way calling, and call diversion to any phone number, including mobiles. The service promises improved call quality, although users will need a compatible Digital Home phone. Upgrading to Digital Voice typically does not alter how households use their phones, with the new service costs bundled into a single package without additional charges.