Openreach engineer working on a copper broadband connection

Copper Broadband

Basic, reliable broadband for homes that simply need to stay connected. Copper broadband from Openreach is available to 99% of the UK and provides a straightforward connection for everyday online tasks - from browsing the web to checking emails.

What is Copper broadband?

Copper broadband - also known as Standard broadband or ADSL - uses a traditional copper phone line to deliver your internet connection, running all the way from your home, through your local street cabinet, and back to your nearest Openreach exchange.

It's the most widely available broadband technology in the UK, with coverage reaching 99% of premises. Download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps make it suitable for lighter online use such as web browsing and emailing. It's worth noting that speeds can vary - the further your home is from the exchange, the slower your connection is likely to be.

Engineer working inside an Openreach telephone exchange on copper broadband network infrastructure

How does it work?

Copper broadband uses the traditional telephone network to deliver your internet connection. Your phone line runs from your home all the way to your nearest Openreach exchange, passing through your local street cabinet along the way. The exchange converts incoming data into a signal that travels along the copper wire to your router, which then distributes your connection around the home.

Because the signal has to travel the full length of the copper wire - from exchange to cabinet to your door - the distance involved affects the speed you receive. Homes closer to the exchange tend to get faster speeds; those further away may experience slower connections.

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

Copper broadband may be the most basic connection type in the Openreach range, but it has a clear role to play for households with lighter broadband needs. Here's what it offers.

Near-universal availability across the UK

Running over the existing telephone network, Copper broadband reaches 99% of UK premises, including rural and remote areas not yet served by fibre. If other broadband types can't reach you, Copper can.

Ideal for light everyday use

For smaller households that mainly browse, email, and carry out light web use, Copper broadband provides everything you need - simple, no-fuss connectivity with no infrastructure upgrades required.

A stepping stone to faster technology

Full Fibre is rolling out to millions of UK homes. If it hasn't reached your address yet, Copper keeps you connected in the meantime, and you can register for updates on when it's coming to you.

How does it compare?

Copper broadband is the entry-level option in the Openreach range. With speeds of up to 21Mbps, it's suitable for lighter use but falls significantly short of what Fibre to the Cabinet (up to 76Mbps) and Full Fibre (up to 1,600Mbps) can deliver. It's also more susceptible to weather-related disruption, as copper wires are more vulnerable to interference than fibre optic cables.

For households with higher demands - multiple devices, streaming, gaming, or video calling - upgrading to FTTC or Full Fibre where available will make a significant difference.

Comparison of home broadband options including Full Fibre, Fibre to the Cabinet and Copper with speeds and typical usage

What are the impacts of Copper broadband for me?

For households with modest online needs, Copper broadband provides a functional connection for day-to-day use. However, if your household has grown or you are now working from home, streaming or gaming, you may find that copper's speed limitations become a frustration over time.

It's also important to be aware that the UK's copper phone network is being retired in January 2027. If you're currently on Copper broadband, now is a good time to start planning your upgrade ahead of the deadline.

No new equipment needed

Switch-off date: January 2027

Check if faster options are available

What does it mean for my phone line?

Copper broadband and traditional landlines both run over the same infrastructure, so both are affected by the PSTN switch-off in January 2027. Your provider will be in touch about moving you to a digital alternative.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

  • Will copper broadband be switched off?

    Yes. The UK's copper network is being retired on 31 January 2027. If you're currently on Copper broadband, your provider will be in touch about moving you to a digital alternative – but it's worth checking your options now, before installation slots get busy closer to the deadline.

  • What happens to my broadband when copper is switched off?

    Your provider will migrate you to an alternative service before the switch-off date. In most cases, that means upgrading to Full Fibre or FTTC where available. If fibre hasn't reached your area yet, your provider will discuss other options with you.

  • Can I still get copper broadband?

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

  • How do I know if copper broadband is right for me?

    If your household mainly browses the web, checks email, and uses one or two devices at a time, Copper broadband can handle everyday needs. However, if you stream, work from home, or have multiple people online at once, a faster connection will make a noticeable difference.

  • What should I do before the copper switch-off in 2027?

    Check whether Full Fibre or FTTC is available at your address and speak to your provider about upgrading. The sooner you act, the more choice you're likely to have - demand for installation appointments is expected to rise as the deadline gets closer.

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