Now that we’re entering November and 2024 is on our doorstep, it might be time to think about the Openreach Copper Withdrawal. As a quick reminder, all the way back in 2017, Openreach announced that they will be disconnecting over 10 million phone lines and broadband lines that rely on copper by the end of December 2025. Now, back in 2017 this seemed like a distant issue, a ‘future me’ problem. You may even think that because it’s still over a year away, it should be low down on your list of priorities. However, we’ve officially passed the ‘Stop Sell’ date which means that Openreach will no longer be able to support any additions to your copper lines or fix any issues if they should break.
Remind me, what does this affect?
As 2017 was over half a decade ago, we wouldn’t be surprised if you shelved the withdrawal for a later date and forgot which of your services are going to be affected. The withdrawal applies to those lines that form the WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) product family, and any broadband that is transmitted over WLR analogue lines. Once the Stop Sell goes into effect in your area, you won’t be able to increase your supply of products compatible with copper or analogue lines. It’s important to be aware of these supply restrictions, but our expert team can help you identify all products that are impacted by the restrictions placed on these phone lines and create a migration plan to help you transition smoothly. Updating to fibre may seem like a headache but it’s actually an opportunity in disguise. As much as we love copper, it hasn’t kept up with the times. As technology continues to advance, so does the way we communicate and connect with one another.
Why are the analogue lines being replaced?
First and foremost, digital fibre lines offer faster and more reliable internet speeds. With an analogue line, the speed and quality of your connection can be affected by factors such as distance from the exchange and the quality of copper wiring. However, digital fibre lines use light to transmit data, which means that the speed and quality of your connection are not affected by distance or external factors. In addition to faster speeds, digital fibre lines also offer more bandwidth and capacity. This means that you can use multiple devices at the same time without experiencing a slowdown in your connection. This is especially important for businesses that rely on internet connectivity for work, entertainment, and communication. Another benefit of digital fibre lines is that they are more environmentally friendly. Analogue lines require a significant amount of energy to transmit data, whereas digital fibre lines use significantly less energy. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of your internet connection, but it can also lead to cost savings on your energy bills. Finally, digital fibre lines are more future-proof than analogue lines. As technology continues to advance, the demand for faster and more reliable internet speeds will only increase.
Isn’t this a ‘future-me’ job?
The problem is, most businesses are thinking the same thing “I’ll sort it in 2025.” Given that all 10+ million phone and broadband lines must be replaced by December 2025, leaving it to the last minute will mean that businesses run the risk of running out of time to migrate. This could lead to increased costs to migrate, not migrating to the right solution or even loss of service. As we’ve mentioned before, now that we’re passed the Stop Sell date you currently have less support on your analogue lines which means that if something goes wrong your business will be affected.
What do you recommend?
Our team of expert engineers can assist you in migrating from analogue to digital lines with ease. We understand that this can be a daunting task, but our engineers will ensure that the process is as seamless as possible. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can provide you with the necessary guidance and support that you need to make the switch successfully. In addition, our Prince 2 qualified project managers will oversee the entire project to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They will work closely with you to understand your requirements and develop a plan that meets your needs. They will also provide you with regular updates throughout the project, so you are always aware of the progress being made. So, if you are looking to make the switch, get in touch with us today and let us help you take your business to the next level.
