In a move towards a more robust online infrastructure and improved broadband speeds, the transition from ageing copper cables to digital technology is gaining momentum. This transition, aimed at enhancing online connectivity in modern homes, has already seen numerous areas across Britain migrate from traditional copper-based phone and broadband services. BT-owned telecom tech company Openreach has announced that an additional 79 locations, including specific areas in Wales, will undergo this technological shift over the coming year.
The affected places in Wales listed include Caerws, Machynlleth, Abermule, Llay, Swansea, and Wrexham. The transition to Full Fibre technology promises significant speed improvements directly to homes, surpassing the capabilities of copper connections. However, concerns have been raised, especially among elderly individuals who may not have internet access or prefer traditional landline telephones. Moreover, uncertainties regarding connectivity during internet outages for those without smartphones have also been highlighted.
BT and its partners have set a target for the majority of homes to switch to Digital Voice by 2027. Customers who are unable to access Ultrafast Full Fibre services will not be compelled to upgrade immediately. Openreach assures that these customers can maintain their current copper services until an upgrade becomes feasible. To check if their area has been updated, households can utilise the Openreach postcode checker online.
James Lilley, Openreach’s managed customer migrations manager, emphasised the company’s role in leading the UK’s digital revolution by deploying ultrafast, reliable, and future-proofed Full Fibre technology nationwide. He underlined that the Full Fibre network, currently available to over 15 million properties with more than five million premises already using the service, is crucial for supporting various aspects of daily life, public services, and industries for years to come.
The urgency of transitioning to newer technologies has been highlighted, as copper networks are gradually becoming obsolete in supporting modern communications. The planned switch affects not only Welsh locations but also various areas across the UK, such as Sheffield, Mexborough, Hartlepool, and lesser-known places like Collingham and Powfoot. The digital transformation spearheaded by Openreach signifies a significant advancement towards a digitally connected future, revolutionising how people communicate and interact in the digital age.
The comprehensive list of locations in the UK affected by this shift includes Collingham, Sheffield, Mexborough, Chesterfield, Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgnorth, Bury St Edmunds, Taverham, Hartlepool, Pocklington, Riccall, Rowhedge, Shepton Mallet, Antrim, Gatehouse of Fleet, Bladnoch, Powfoot, Bobbington, Buchlyvie, Brig o’Turk, Pierowall, Medbourne, Newport Pagnell, Carlton (Gedling), Eastleigh, Yarrowford, Cunningsburgh, Weston-Super-Mare, Shotts, Whitstable, Airdrie, Liverpool, Jarrow, Bootle, Great Wyrley, Codsall, Dewsbury, Kempston, Kings Norton, Birmingham, Market Harborough, St Helens, Runcorn, Stafford, Wantage, West Bromwich, South Hampshire, Sheffield, Barrow-in-Furness, Rawtenstall, Ellon, Swindon (Wiltshire), Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone, Greater London, Richmond upon Thames, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Redcar, Scarborough, Tewkesbury, Norwich, and Ibstock.