Witney included in Openreach fibre broadband upgrade phase

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 13:31 · Archive

Witney is among 112 UK exchange areas where Openreach is phasing out copper-based phone and broadband services in favour of full-fibre from November 2027.

Witney is among the latest UK towns to have copper-based phone and broadband services phased out by Openreach in favour of full-fibre. The upgrade affects 112 exchange areas and around 620,000 properties nationwide. From November 4, 2027, new orders for certain older copper-based phone and broadband services will be restricted in affected exchange areas where Openreach full fibre is available and the stop-sell threshold has been reached.

The announcement does not mean immediate disconnection for existing customers. According to Bryn Thompson, Director at UK digital landline provider Phonely, 'nobody's existing landline is being suddenly disconnected because of this announcement'. Most people can keep their existing telephone number and handset when moving to a digital service.

Thompson advised households to check whether their phone service is already digital and whether they need to take any action. This is particularly important for older people, those with limited mobile signal and anyone using a personal alarm connected to their phone line. Residents can check the full list of affected exchange areas to find out what the changes mean for their area.

How it is being reported

• Oxfordshire town included in next phase of UK's fibre broadband upgradeThe Witney change is part of a nationwide upgrade by Openreach, affecting 112 exchange areas and around 620,000 properties.Oxford Mail · 18 Oct, 13:00
• Oxfordshire town included in next phase of UK's fibre broadband upgradeThe Witney change is part of a nationwide upgrade by Openreach, affecting 112 exchange areas and around 620,000 properties.Oxfordshire Guardian · 18 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Witney · Openreach · UK · Bryn Thompson · Phonely

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