The traditional landline phone system is gradually giving way to modern digital calling methods in the UK. Instead of relying on old-fashioned copper cables, households are transitioning to internet-based communication services for staying connected.
A significant number of users have already embraced broadband technology, and an additional 137 locations are now in the process of phasing out outdated copper infrastructure. This update, announced by BT’s Openreach service, will mandate millions of homes to adopt digital voice services when subscribing to new broadband plans or switching providers.
Known as the “Stop Sell” initiative, this alert is triggered when a majority of homes near a broadband exchange gain access to ultrafast Full Fibre connectivity. Upon implementation, customers seeking to switch, upgrade, or re-grade their broadband or phone services will have to opt for digital services over broadband connections.
Homes lacking Full Fibre availability will be permitted to retain copper services until fibre cables are installed in their area. The transition to Digital Voice aims to enhance calling experiences for users by offering advanced features like Multi Call, three-way calling capabilities for conference calls, and call diversion to various phone numbers, including mobile devices.
Improved call quality is another advantage of Digital Voice, although users will need a compatible Digital Home phone to leverage these enhancements. According to BT, this upgrade is essential to meet future communication demands and cannot be disregarded. Concerns have been raised about older individuals and those without broadband access, along with worries about potential broadband outages affecting phone services. These concerns are currently under scrutiny by telecom companies and regulatory bodies like Ofcom.
Enforcement actions will be taken against providers failing to meet customer obligations, as confirmed by Ofcom. James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Manager, emphasized the importance of the stop sell program in preparing the UK’s communication infrastructure for the future. The shift to Full Fibre technology is seen as a vital step in transitioning to a digital era, ensuring reliability and future-proofing communication networks nationwide.
