The Countdown Begins: UK Copper Network Stop Sell Rollout in September 2023

While the widely discussed deadline for the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off is December 31, 2025, a more immediate deadline warrants your attention. This coming September, the copper network stop-sell rollout will encompass the entire UK.

What Does This Mean for Your Business Communications Setup?

The copper network stops sell marks the date when purchasing communication services through the PSTN will cease in an area. If your business relies on services enabled by the PSTN and your contract is set to expire after September 2023, you'll need to transition to a forward-looking alternative.

This means that new supply of all WLR products (PSTN, ISDN2, ISDN30) and broadband products associated with WLR PSTN lines (SMPF, FTTC) will be restricted. From 5 September 2023:

• New provide, CP to CP transfer order requests for WLR, SMPF, FTTC, including Gfast over WLR, will not be available.
• CPs will not be permitted to request working line takeovers, addition of broadband to voice lines, bandwidth modify, start of stopped lines or request migrations to non-Ultrafast products.
• Openreach will continue to accept FTTC orders when provided over MPF. Openreach will continue to reject FTTC orders when provided over WLR, other than those order types relating to the in-life management of the current service. This excludes bandwidth modify orders
• For the small number of premises where FTTP or SOGEA is not available, the recommended products are SOTAP and MPF. WLR, SMPF and SLU SMPF may still be ordered for these premises, as they are temporarily exempt from the UK WLR Stop sell rules, this is to allow time for CPs to consume the SOTAP product.
• This portal will not allow users to place orders for addresses flagged as 'stop sell'

Your only recourse will be to transition to the new generation of internet-enabled services.

?Navigating the Transition

?For those of you currently using office landlines with wholesale line rental (WLR), there are two viable options:

???SIP Trunking: An excellent interim solution that permits businesses to retain their PBX phone system hardware while conducting calls over the internet.

???Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Representing the future of telephony, VoIP facilitates voice calls over a digital, internet-enabled phone line.

Broadband Adaptation

The changes don't solely impact phone lines—your broadband connection might also be affected. If your business currently utilizes a Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) or Asymmetric Digital Service Line (ADSL) broadband connection, it's time to consider your options:

????Fibre to the Premise (FTTP): Offering ultrafast fiber-optic broadband that stretches from the exchange to your site. While this option is highly reliable, it's important to note that it's not universally accessible yet.

????Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA): A broadband alternative that doesn't require a phone line, providing up to 80 Mbps speeds.

As the September 2023 deadline approaches, businesses must assess their current communication setups and make the necessary transitions to ensure uninterrupted operations. Embracing these changes will position your organization for seamless communication and enhanced efficiency in the digital age.

Stay connected, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve. If you have any questions or need guidance on navigating these changes, feel free to contact our team.

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