Telephone Exchange Upgrade

A Telephone Exchange is a central building where calls and internet data are routed. It acts like a switchboard, connecting your phone or computer to the right destination quickly and efficiently.

Telephone Exchanges use copper-based technology, which over time is becoming less reliable and it’s struggling to meet the demands of our modern digital lives. 

That’s why we’re upgrading our network to Full Fibre, the UK’s most reliable broadband technology, and we’ll be gradually switching off the copper-based network. 

As part of this upgrade, we no longer need as many Telephone Exchanges across the UK. We’re modernising our network into fewer, more efficient Super Digital Exchanges that will connect you to broadband and phone services. 

We're closing 108 Telephone Exchanges by the end of 2030—starting with our 3 pilot sites in Deddington, Kenton Road, and Ballyclare, which will be closed on 30 November 2025.

If your phone or broadband still uses the old copper network in these areas, it will stop working when your local Telephone Exchange closes.

If your phone and broadband service runs on an old analogue copper connection, you’ll need to contact your phone and broadband provider who will take you through the options available to you for upgrading. 

If you’re in contract, you will need to speak to you current provider to explore your options. If you’re out of contract, we have the UK’s biggest choice of providers so you can find a new package to suit your budget and lifestyle.

If you don’t switch to Full Fibre or an alternative broadband product before the Telephone Exchange is closed, your landline phone and broadband connection will stop working. 

Upgrading from Copper to Full Fibre gives you: 

• The UK’s most reliable broadband technology – you’ll see a lot less buffering and slowdown, even at busier times
• Ultrafast Fibre Speeds - Offering more choice and faster speeds to suit every need
• Connect over 100 devices – perfect for smart homes, busy families, and growing businesses
• Future-proof technology – it will service your needs for decades to come

If your address hasn’t yet been covered, don’t worry, there will still be an alternative broadband product for your address. Please contact your broadband provider and they’ll talk you through the options available at your address. 

Your home phone will be connected via a broadband router, as will all the devices and services that are connected to your existing phone line. If you have anything that relies on your phone line connection, like a telecare or security alarm, you'll need to check whether they'll work over the new technology. Most modern devices should be compatible, but if you use one of these devices it’s really important that you speak with the company that supplied it to you. 

If you don't have a router, or need a new one, your landline provider will send one to you. You won't have to sign up for a broadband service and your landline provider will be able to confirm whether the price you pay for your service will change. 

We recommend making a list of any other devices, besides your landline phone, that connect to the phone line. Some examples are fax machines and security, fire or telecare or other health alarms. Do this before you call your landline provider, so they can provide guidance on how those devices will be supported after the upgrade.

It may do. This depends on the services offered by your service provider. We recommend that you check with them to see what number porting features they have available as part of the move to digital phone lines. 

Yes — if you're upgrading from Copper to Full Fibre, an engineer will need to visit. You can find out more by reading our Full Fibre installation guide.  

There may be a short period of downtime while engineering work is carried out. However, your service provider will coordinate the switchover date with you in advance, ensuring you have time to prepare and minimise disruption.

You need to speak to your Property Managing Agent, Housing Association, or Freeholder as we may need their permission to upgrade and install Full Fibre.  

This all depends on what services you have connected. Many businesses use the copper network for services such as lift lines, card machines (PDQs) and CCTV. When the exchange closes and copper is switched off, all services relying on it will stop working. We’d strongly encourage you to speak to your provider who will be able to assess your needs and advise you accordingly.

It depends on your current setup and the services you use. Some existing equipment may not be compatible with the digital Full Fibre network, so upgrades or replacements could be necessary. We strongly recommend contacting your phone and broadband provider to review your current infrastructure and ensure your business is fully prepared for the switch.