Copper stop-sell reaches 112 exchanges

What It Means for Your Business Phone Lines

Openreach has named the next 112 telephone exchanges where copper phone and broadband products will stop being sold. If your business still relies on a traditional phone line, a copper broadband service or equipment that uses one, now is the time to plan your move.

What Openreach announced

On 8 Oct 2026, Openreach published Tranche 26 of its stop-sell programme. The 112 exchanges cover a further 619,724 premises, taking the total under its stop-sell rules to around 16.4 million. From 4 Nov 2027, copper-based phone and broadband products will no longer be sold at premises in these areas that can get full fibre.

An exchange joins the programme once more than 75% of the premises it serves can get full fibre (FTTP). Premises already on full fibre can’t move back to copper, and around 12 months’ notice is given before the stop-sell starts. It applies premises by premises, so sites that can’t yet get full fibre aren’t affected.

The bigger deadline: 31 Jan 2027

The stop-sell sits alongside a separate change that matters to every business, wherever you are. Analogue phone lines (PSTN and WLR) are being moved to digital services, and that migration is due to finish by 31 Jan 2027. It affects copper and full fibre products alike, which is why phone providers are moving to digital voice, also known as VoIP.

James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, described the stop-sell programme as “a key step in accelerating the UK’s move to a full fibre future”, and pointed to the closure of the PSTN “in less than four months’ time.”

It’s not just desk phones

Many businesses have equipment quietly relying on an analogue line or a copper connection. Check things like:

• intruder and fire alarm panels
• lift emergency lines
• card payment terminals
• door entry systems
• franking and fax machines
• remote monitoring and CCTV equipment

Some of these will work over a digital service, some need a setting changed, and some need replacing. The only way to know is to check each one with its supplier.

Five steps to take now

1. Audit every line. Go through your bills and your premises and list each phone number, broadband service and device that uses a line.
2. Check full fibre availability. Find out whether your sites can get full fibre, and when the stop-sell applies to your exchange.
3. Speak to equipment suppliers. Ask alarm, lift and payment providers whether their kit works over digital services or needs upgrading.
4. Choose your voice platform. Moving to cloud telephony, including calling through Microsoft Teams, can give you more flexibility than a like-for-like swap.
5. Plan the budget. Finance teams should factor in any hardware, installation or contract changes now, rather than paying for rushed work close to the deadline.

For public sector organisations

Councils, schools and other public bodies often have lines spread across many sites, from offices and depots to building systems. A complete inventory and a phased migration plan protect continuity, keep spending under control and avoid a last-minute scramble.

Make the switch without the stress

Flotek help partners move from legacy lines to full fibre connectivity and cloud telephony, with one team handling the audit, the ordering and the cutover. If you’re not sure what’s still on copper, we’ll help you find out and plan your move before the deadlines arrive. Get in touch to get started.

Source: “Openreach name next 112 UK areas for copper to full fibre switch – tranche 26”, Mark Jackson, ISPreview UK, 8 Oct 2026

Further reading

• Hosted VoIP telephony for business
• The complete guide to business VoIP
• The next step in the UK PSTN switch-off
• Check full fibre availability at your business address