The traditional landline telephone service is gradually being substituted by modern digital calling methods that utilize the internet instead of traditional copper wires. Millions of households have already transitioned to this advanced broadband technology, and an additional 137 locations are now in the process of moving away from outdated copper cables.
This transition was recently announced by BT’s Openreach service, indicating that numerous homes will soon be required to use digital voice services when signing up for new broadband plans or changing providers. This shift, known as the “Stop Sell” alert, is triggered when a significant number of homes near a broadband exchange gain access to ultrafast Full Fibre connectivity.
Following the implementation of “Stop Sell,” customers seeking to switch, upgrade, or alter their broadband or phone services will need to opt for digital services over broadband connections. However, households without Full Fibre availability in their vicinity can continue using copper lines until fibre cables are installed in their area.
The move to Digital Voice technology aims to enhance calling experiences for users by offering features not supported by traditional copper landlines, such as Multi Call, three-way calling for conference calls, and call diversion to various phone numbers, including mobile devices. Moreover, Digital Voice ensures better call quality, requiring a compatible Digital Home phone for optimal performance.
BT emphasizes that this update is crucial for meeting future communication demands and stresses the importance of transitioning to modern technologies. Concerns have been raised about potential issues for older or vulnerable individuals without broadband access and potential phone service interruptions during broadband outages. Telecom companies and regulatory bodies like Ofcom are closely monitoring these concerns to ensure consumer protection.
Ofcom has affirmed its commitment to enforcing compliance with customer obligations by telecom providers, emphasizing the importance of meeting industry standards. Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Manager, James Lilley, highlighted the significance of the stop sell program in aligning the UK’s communication infrastructure with future requirements.
As the nation progresses towards a digital era, Openreach aims to facilitate this transformation by introducing ultrafast, reliable, and future-proofed Full Fibre broadband services nationwide.