Copper Broadband for Business

A basic, broadly available broadband connection for businesses with lighter online needs. Copper broadband from Openreach reaches 99% of UK premises and keeps smaller businesses connected for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and light web use.

What is Copper broadband for business?

Copper broadband - also referred to as Standard broadband or ADSL - delivers your business's internet connection over traditional copper phone lines, running from your premises through your local street cabinet to the nearest Openreach exchange.

With download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps, it's the most basic broadband option in the Openreach range, but also the most widely available - reaching 99% of UK premises. Speed can be affected by the distance between your business and the exchange, so it's best suited to businesses in areas not yet served by faster technology, or those with straightforward, low-demand connectivity needs.

Two business owners discussing Full Fibre broadband options for their business premises

How does it work?

Copper broadband uses the traditional telephone network to carry your business's internet connection. The signal travels along a copper phone line from your premises, through your local street cabinet, and all the way to the nearest Openreach exchange. The exchange processes the incoming data and sends it back along the same copper wire to your router, which distributes the connection within your premises.

Because the signal travels the full length of the copper line - and copper carries data more slowly than fibre - the speed you receive is determined largely by the distance between your premises and the exchange. The longer the line, the slower the connection is likely to be.

Horizontal diagram showing how Full Fibre, Fibre to the Cabinet and Copper broadband connect from exchange through street cabinet to home

Benefits of Copper broadband for business

Copper broadband's strength lies in its reach and simplicity. For businesses that only need a basic connection, or those waiting for faster technology to arrive in their area, here's what it delivers.

Near-universal availability across the UK

With coverage across 99% of UK premises, Copper broadband reaches even the most rural and remote locations. If faster options aren't yet available at your address, Copper keeps you connected.

Suitable for light business use

For sole traders and micro-businesses with basic connectivity needs, emailing, browsing, and simple web tools, Copper broadband provides a functional connection with no infrastructure upgrades needed.

A bridge to better connectivity

Full Fibre is rolling out to businesses across the UK. If it hasn't reached your address yet, Copper keeps you connected in the meantime, use our fibre checker to register for updates.

How does it compare?

Copper broadband is the most basic option in the Openreach business range. With download speeds of up to 24Mbps, it's workable for light tasks but is significantly outpaced by both Fibre to the Cabinet (up to 76Mbps) and Full Fibre (up to 1.6Gbps for business). It's also the least resilient option - copper lines are more susceptible to weather-related interference and carry a higher fault rate than fibre-based alternatives. For businesses with growing connectivity needs, or those preparing for the PSTN switch-off in January 2027, Copper broadband is best viewed as a transitional solution rather than a long-term choice.

Comparison of business broadband options showing Ethernet, Full Fibre, Fibre to the Cabinet and Copper speeds and use cases

What are the impacts of Copper broadband for my business?

For businesses with modest online needs, Copper broadband provides a functional connection for daily tasks. However, if your business is growing, if more team members are working online simultaneously, or if you're increasingly relying on cloud-based tools, video calls or large file transfers, the limitations of copper connectivity can become a real operational drag.

There is also an important deadline to be aware of: the UK's copper network is being retired in January 2027, affecting both Copper broadband and the traditional phone lines that run over the same infrastructure.

Low-cost connectivity for small businesses

Switch-off date: January 2027

Plan your upgrade now

What does it mean for my phone line?

Copper broadband and business phone lines share the same network, so both are affected by the January 2027 PSTN switch-off. Your provider will be in touch about moving to a digital alternative.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

  • Will copper broadband be switched off for businesses?

    Yes. The UK's copper network is being retired on 31 January 2027, affecting all businesses still using Copper broadband or traditional phone lines. Your provider will contact you about migrating to a digital alternative, but it's worth reviewing your options now rather than waiting.

  • What broadband options are available to my business after the copper switch-off?

    Most businesses will be able to move to Full Fibre or FTTC depending on what's available at their address. If neither is available yet, your provider will discuss alternative solutions. Use our fibre checker to see what's currently available at your premises.

  • Is copper broadband fast enough for business use?

    For sole traders or micro-businesses with very light connectivity needs - email, basic browsing, and simple web tools - Copper broadband can be sufficient. However, if your business relies on video calls, cloud software, or has multiple users online at once, the speed and reliability limitations will likely become a problem.

  • Can I still get copper broadband for my business?

    Copper broadband is no longer available to new business customers in areas where Full Fibre has been built. If it remains your only option, you can stay on your existing service until the switch-off, but now is the time to check what alternatives are available at your address.

  • How do I prepare my business for the copper switch-off?

    Start by checking whether Full Fibre or FTTC is available at your premises. Then speak to your provider about a migration timeline. Acting early gives you more choice of service and installation slots - demand is expected to increase significantly as January 2027 approaches.

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